The "for women in science national scholarship" (L'Oreal - UNESCO for Women in Science) highlights research in five high-application fields: life sciences, materials science, physical sciences, environment - earth science, and mathematics. Each of the three selected candidates will receive 150 million dong.

The organizing committee announced an extension for scholarship applications until 18h on 15/10, instead of the end of september as in previous years. The program targets women scientists no older than 45 years old (as of the application deadline), who hold a doctoral degree or are currently conducting postdoctoral research.

Additionally, the organizing committee outlined the selection criteria for this year's three outstanding individuals. The judging panel will independently review applications, prioritizing creative projects with high practical application, the ability to solve global problems, clear presentation, and individual research achievements. Results will be sent to candidates via email or phone.

"We expect the 2026 season to discover talented individuals passionate about scientific research, especially projects with high impact that contribute to improving and changing community life," a representative of the organizing committee added.

Mr. Wagih Ahmed, General Director of L'Oreal Vietnam (left) and Jonathan W. Baker, Head of UNESCO Representative Office in Vietnam (right) presenting scholarships to three scientists in 2025. Photo: BTC

The L'Oreal - UNESCO foundation has collaborated to implement the "L'Oreal - UNESCO for women in science" award since 1998, honoring five researchers globally. To date, the organizing committee has recognized 122 awardees and celebrated more than 3,800 talented young scientists, doctoral, and postdoctoral researchers from 110 countries.

In Vietnam, this award began in 2009, aiming to "nurture scientific talent". The program accepts scholarship applications from june to september annually. An independent scientific council selects three outstanding individuals to receive 150 million dong each, and subsequently nominates candidates for international scholarships and awards.

Last year, three projects received awards for addressing challenges in climate change, artificial intelligence, and energy security. These included: Associate Professor Doctor To Thi Mai Huong (Hanoi University of Science and Technology - USTH), Associate Professor Doctor Pham Kim Ngoc (University of Natural Sciences, Vietnam National University, TP HCM - VNU-HCM), and Doctor Le Linh, a postdoctoral researcher at Stanford University (USA).

Over the past seven years, 43 Vietnamese women scientists have received the award, with three of them honored in the international "International Rising Talent" list: Doctor Tran Ha Lien Phuong (2015), Doctor Nguyen Thi Hiep (2017), and Associate Professor Doctor Ho Thi Thanh Van (2022).

According to a UNESCO report from 6/2021, the number of women working in science-related fields has increased but still accounts for approximately 33% of the total global researchers. This development is too slow, and women still encounter barriers in scientific research.

The report highlights that the absence of women in science, engineering, technology, and mathematics is a consequence of "gender stereotypes" and the perception that "men are superior to women in abilities" within these fields.

With the perspective that "the world needs science, and science needs women", the L'Oreal - UNESCO award is organized in Vietnam to identify and grant scholarships to talented individuals, connect them with the international research community, and open up development prospects for recognition both regionally and globally.

Dong Ve

View detailed scholarship application procedures here.