Issued on behalf of L’Oréal New Zealand
The L’Oréal UNESCO For Women in Science international awards are a world recognised programme, present in 180 countries. For the first time this year, a National Fellowship programme is open to young New Zealand and Australian women scientists, with three NZ$31,737 (AU $25,000) fellowships on offer.
Applications are now open (1 April to 1 May, 2012).
Since 2007, the L’Oréal For Women In Science national programme in Australia has awarded three fellowships to help early-career women scientists consolidate their careers and rise to leadership positions in science.
This year, the programme crosses the Tasman and opens applications to include New Zealand. For the first time, three early career scientists from either Australia or New Zealand are eligible for an annual fellowship.
Applications for the 2012 Australia and New Zealand L’Oréal For Women In Science Fellowships are now open for one month until 1 May.
Eligible applicants must be high-achieving women scientists from either Australia or New Zealand who have not only shown scientific excellence and leadership in their fields but have also completed their PhD within the past five years (with allowance made for maternity leave).
The three successful applicants can utilise their awards to assist them in maintaining their careers in science, according to L’Oréal New Zealand spokesperson Tanya Abbott.
“For example the grant may be used to finance personal scientific research, child care, maternity leave or for the hiring of a research assistant,” Ms Abbott says.
New Zealand scientists have in the past received accolades at the international L’Oréal UNESCO For Women In Science Awards. They include a Laureate for Professor Margaret Brimble, from the University of Auckland and three Fellows, including the latest recipient Dr Zoe Hilton from the Cawthron Institute in Nelson.
“We are delighted to support a programme that recognises and rewards women for scientific excellence and for their contribution to society,” Ms Abbott says.
“Research and innovation is at the heart of our business, so it makes sense to give young New Zealand women the opportunity to continue their research and move science forward.”
Potential applicants can read the brief profiles of past recipients at http://www.scienceinpublic.com/loreal/fellows
Applications can be made on line at http://www.scienceinpublic.com/loreal/applications
For more information about the research of this programme, visit the facebook page at www.facebook.com/forwomeninscience or meet the community at http://agora.forwomeninscience.com
About the L’Oréal Foundation
The L’Oréal Foundation, created in 2007, pursues the goal of making the world a better place each day. It draws on the Group’s values and business to strengthen and perpetuate the Group’s commitment to social responsibility. As the second-largest corporate foundation in France, the L’Oréal Foundation is committed to three types of action: promoting scientific research in the fundamental and human sciences, supporting education and helping individuals made vulnerable by alternations to their appearance to reclaim their rightful place in society.