L'Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science fellowships - practical information

(N.B.: De praktische informatie over het For Women in Science-programma is enkel beschikbaar in het Engels). 

The Dutch For Women in Science fellowships aim to help create a more level playing field for women in academia in the Netherlands. Since the programme's inception in 2012, 25 women scientists working in the Netherlands have been awarded a fellowship. Please note that the Rising Talents programme for early-career researchers was discontinued (2019-2023).
 

Four fellowships

Every two years, four fellowships are awarded to women conducting research in the Life Sciences or in the STEM disciplines (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). Each fellowship supports a five-month research residency at NIAS-KNAW in Amsterdam. During this period, fellows are relieved of teaching, administrative, and clinical duties, allowing them to focus fully on research, publication, or preparing grant proposals. Full details about the application procedure are available in the programme’s official regulations and forms. The most recent call (2025) can be found here.

Who is eligible?

The programme is intended for mid-career researchers - women who earned their PhD between 3 and 10 years ago (adjustments may be made for maternity leave or part-time work due to caregiving responsibilities). Applicants must propose a research topic in the Life Sciences or STEM fields.
To support the advancement of women in science and increase the number of female professors in the Netherlands, eligibility is limited to applicants holding a temporary or permanent position at a Dutch university or research institute.