The L’Oréal USA For Women in Science 2027 Program is offering five research awards worth $75,000 each to eligible women postdoctoral researchers in the United States. Applications are open until February 12, 2027, at 5:00 PM Eastern Time. Organized by L’Oréal USA in partnership with the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), the program supports research in life sciences, physical sciences, engineering, technology, computer science, mathematics, and related eligible fields.
Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents, hold an eligible doctoral degree, and have started a postdoctoral research position by January 31, 2027. Temporary visa holders are not eligible. The award supports research expenses and professional development, with a commitment to mentoring and encouraging women and girls in STEM. Below, you can find the eligibility rules, funding conditions, required documents, and application process.
L’Oréal USA For Women in Science 2027: Quick Overview
| Programme details | Information |
|---|---|
| Official programme | L’Oréal USA For Women in Science |
| Host country | United States |
| Award year | 2027 |
| Funding | $75,000 per awardee |
| Number of awards | 5 |
| Total awards | $375,000 |
| Eligible applicants | Women postdoctoral researchers |
| Citizenship | U.S. citizens and permanent residents |
| Research fields | Life sciences, physical sciences, engineering, technology, computer science, mathematics, and eligible related disciplines |
| Award duration | One year |
| Doctoral degree and postdoctoral start deadline | January 31, 2027 |
| Application deadline | February 12, 2027, 5:00 PM ET |
| Awards ceremony | November 2027 |
What Is the L’Oréal USA For Women in Science Program?
The L’Oréal USA For Women in Science Program supports women scientists during the postdoctoral stage of their careers, when they are developing independent research experience and preparing for future academic or scientific positions.
Established in the United States in 2003, the program has supported more than 100 women postdoctoral scientists with nearly $5 million in grants.
For the 2027 cycle, five researchers will be selected to receive funding for their proposed research and related career development activities.
The program also recognizes scientists who are committed to supporting other women in STEM. Awardees must complete at least 20 hours of activities such as mentoring, classroom visits, science outreach events, or public engagement.
Who Is Eligible for the 2027 L’Oréal USA For Women in Science Award?
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Hold a conferred PhD, DPH, or ScD degree by January 31, 2027.
- Have started a full-time postdoctoral research position by January 31, 2027.
- Remain a postdoctoral researcher throughout the fellowship year.
- Be a U.S. citizen by birth or naturalization, or a U.S. permanent resident.
- Be affiliated with a U.S.-based academic or research institution.
- Conduct or primarily analyze the proposed research in the United States or a U.S. territory.
- Propose eligible basic research in STEM.
- Not hold a faculty position.
- Commit to at least 20 hours supporting women and girls in science.
- Be available to participate in the November 2027 For Women in Science Awards Week.
Can international researchers apply?
Yes, but only if they already hold U.S. citizenship or permanent residency.
Researchers working in the United States on J-1, H-1B, F-1, or other temporary visas are not eligible.
Applicants who have applied for permanent residency must have received their green card by the application submission date, no later than February 12, 2027.
This distinction matters for international postdoctoral researchers. Working at a U.S. university, even with an established research appointment, does not independently satisfy the citizenship requirement.
Looking for a U.S. postdoctoral fellowship that accepts international applicants? The CIRES Visiting Fellows Program 2027 at the University of Colorado Boulder welcomes eligible international researchers and offers postdoctoral appointments with a starting annual salary of $70,000. Its application deadline is December 21, 2026.
Eligible research fields
The 2027 program covers a broad range of scientific disciplines, including:
| Research area | Examples |
|---|---|
| Life sciences | Biology, genetics, biochemistry, microbiology, neuroscience |
| Physical sciences | Chemistry, physics, astronomy, atmospheric sciences |
| Engineering and technology | Engineering, materials research, nanoscience |
| Environmental sciences | Ecology, geosciences, oceanography, marine science |
| Computing and mathematics | Computer science, mathematics |
| Other eligible disciplines | Pharmacology, physiology, plant biology, nursing science |
Psychology, science education, and social science research are not eligible fields under the program’s stated criteria.
However, the program evaluates eligibility according to the proposed research, rather than simply the name of the applicant’s degree or academic department.
For example, someone with a PhD in psychology who is conducting eligible neuroscience research may qualify.
Researchers preparing applications for other scientific funding opportunities may also find our guide on how to write a research proposal for a PhD application useful for understanding how to connect research questions, methods, and expected contributions.
Funding and Benefits: What Does the $75,000 Award Cover?
Each selected researcher receives a $75,000 grant intended to support research activities and career advancement.
According to the official program FAQ, eligible expenses include:
- Research equipment, instruments, and laboratory supplies.
- Conference attendance and professional meetings.
- Publication costs.
- Computer and technical support.
- Hiring research support staff, including students and technicians.
- Eligible tuition fees.
- Salary support, when properly justified.
Applicants may allocate up to 10% of the total proposed budget ($7,500) toward eligible community service or science outreach activities outside the proposed research plan.
The grant cannot be used for indirect or fringe costs such as health insurance, rent, utilities, or university overhead.
Is the $75,000 paid directly to the researcher?
No. The award is made to the researcher’s institution and administered through AAAS.
Funding is normally distributed in two installments. The first, typically half of the award, is provided at the November 2027 awards ceremony. The remaining balance follows submission and review of an interim progress report, due six months after the initial distribution.
Award funds become available from the awards ceremony, rather than immediately after selection.
Applicants should therefore distinguish the $75,000 research grant from a personal salary or living allowance. Salary support is permitted, but it must be requested and justified in the proposed budget.
Required Documents for the 2027 Application
The official FAQ identifies the following application materials.
| Document | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Proposed Research Plan | Maximum 3 pages, including references |
| Candidate’s Statement | Maximum 1 page |
| Community Service/Mentoring Essay | Maximum 1 page |
| Recommendation letters | Exactly 3 |
| Research budget | Proposed allocation of award funds |
| Budget justification | Explanation of proposed expenditure |
Applicants can download the official 2027 budget template to organize their proposed expenses and estimated expenditure dates.
The three-page research plan is one of the most important documents to prepare carefully. It should explain the research problem, proposed methods, and how the project can be carried out with the available resources. Our guide on how to write a PhD research proposal explains these elements with practical examples. Use it for general research-writing guidance while following the L’Oréal program’s specific three-page limit.
The three recommendation letters must come from a mentor or former advisor, the applicant’s postdoctoral advisor, and a third recommender of the applicant’s choice.
The research plan must explain the proposed project and methodology in sufficient detail. Applications without this information are considered incomplete.
The Candidate’s Statement should explain how the award would support the applicant’s research, professional development, and funding needs. The mentoring essay should describe previous activities supporting women and girls in science or explain planned activities during the award year.
Your Candidate’s Statement should explain why this award matters for your research and professional development. If you need help organizing your academic experience and future goals, our guide on writing a statement of purpose for Master’s and PhD applications provides useful examples. The L’Oréal statement has different requirements from a university SOP, so adapt the writing approach rather than copying its format.
Transcripts are not required at the initial application stage. Selected awardees will later need official transcripts from their undergraduate and graduate degree-granting institutions.
Formatting requirements
The Research Proposal, Candidate’s Statement, and Mentoring Essay must use margins of at least one inch.
Permitted fonts include Arial, Courier New, or Palatino Linotype at 10 points or larger, or Times New Roman at 11 points or larger. Limited smaller text is permitted for formulas, figures, and captions.
How Are Applicants Selected for the L’Oréal USA For Women in Science Award?
The L’Oréal USA For Women in Science Program uses a two-stage scientific review process to select its five awardees.
In the first stage, experienced scientists evaluate applications within their respective research disciplines. The highest-ranked candidates then proceed to a second review by a jury of distinguished scientists, which selects the five winners.
According to the official application guidelines, candidates are evaluated across four main areas.
1. Scientific Excellence and Research Quality
Reviewers assess whether the proposed research is original, scientifically meaningful, and feasible. They consider the clarity of the research objectives, the proposed methodology, and the potential contribution to the field.
The applicant’s previous research achievements, ability to conduct the proposed work, and access to suitable institutional facilities and mentoring support are also considered.
2. Intellectual Merit and Career Development
The selection committee evaluates the applicant’s academic background and research experience.
Reviewers also consider how the $75,000 award could support the applicant’s professional development and future scientific career.
3. Research Budget
The proposed budget must demonstrate a reasonable and appropriate use of funding.
Applicants should explain how the requested expenses support their research objectives. Salary support, equipment, research materials, and other eligible costs should be justified in relation to the proposed work.
4. Commitment to Women and Girls in STEM
Applicants are assessed on their commitment to supporting women and girls in science.
Previous mentoring or outreach experience can demonstrate this commitment. However, applicants without prior experience may describe credible activities they intend to undertake during the award year.
The selection criteria make one point particularly important: a competitive application needs to connect scientific quality, research feasibility, funding needs, and career development. Applicants should ensure these elements are consistent across their research plan, Candidate’s Statement, budget, and mentoring essay.
Careers Help Desk Counter Angle: Build Your Application Around the Selection Criteria
One important detail in the official selection guidelines is that reviewers consider both the quality of the proposed research and the applicant’s ability to complete it.
This means an ambitious research proposal should also demonstrate feasibility.
For example, if your project requires specialized laboratory equipment, computational resources, or advanced experimental techniques, explain how your host institution and research mentor can support the work.
Your proposed budget should reinforce that explanation. Each major expense should have a clear connection to a research activity or professional development need.
The Candidate’s Statement is another opportunity to explain why receiving this award would make a practical difference. Rather than simply describing your academic achievements, identify what the funding would allow you to accomplish.
Finally, avoid treating the mentoring essay as an unrelated requirement. The program explicitly evaluates applicants’ commitment to supporting women and girls in STEM. Describe activities you have already undertaken or provide a realistic plan for your award year.
Before submitting, check that your research plan, budget, Candidate’s Statement, and mentoring essay tell a consistent story about what you intend to achieve and how the award will help you do it.
Applicants should also be able to explain why the proposed funding is necessary and how it would support their research plans. Our guide on how to write a scholarship motivation letter discusses how to connect previous experience, future goals, and funding needs. Although this award does not request a conventional motivation letter, those principles can help when preparing the Candidate’s Statement and budget justification.
How to Apply for the L’Oréal USA For Women in Science 2027 Award
Applications are submitted through the official AAAS application system.
Step 1: Visit the official L’Oréal USA For Women in Science programme page. Select the application link and review the eligibility requirements.
L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science US Application Guidelines
Step 2: Prepare the Research Plan, Candidate’s Statement, and Mentoring Essay within the specified limits.
Step 3: Complete the proposed budget and budget justification using the official template. Download Budget Template here
Step 4: Applications for the 2027 L’Oréal USA For Women in Science Award are submitted through the official AAAS application portal.
Start Application for L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science US
Review the application and submit it before February 12, 2027, at 5:00 PM ET.
The online application system automatically saves progress and permits changes until the deadline.
Applicants may submit their portion before all recommendation letters arrive. However, the application will only be considered complete for review once all required materials have been received.
Because automated recommendation requests can be blocked by institutional email filters, applicants should contact their recommenders early and confirm that the letters have been uploaded.
Researchers exploring additional postdoctoral opportunities in the United States can also review the Stanford GLAM Postdoctoral Fellowships 2027. This programme focuses on scientific research, with applications due November 30, 2026. Eligibility and application requirements differ from those of the L’Oréal award.
Common Application Mistakes to Avoid
Several errors could affect an otherwise competitive application.
Submitting a research proposal that exceeds three pages, including references, violates the stated limit. A proposal that lacks sufficient methodological detail may also be treated as incomplete.
Another mistake is requesting funding for prohibited expenses such as rent, health insurance, or university overhead.
Applicants should also avoid assuming that an unfinished green card application or a temporary U.S. visa meets the residency requirement.
Finally, leaving recommendation letters until the deadline creates an unnecessary risk. The system requires all three letters before the application is complete.
Ready to Apply for Women in Science Awards
The L’Oréal USA For Women in Science 2027 Program will award five eligible women postdoctoral researchers $75,000 each to support scientific research and related professional development. Before applying, confirm your citizenship or permanent residency, doctoral degree date, postdoctoral appointment, and institution’s ability to receive the grant. The deadline is February 12, 2027, at 5:00 PM ET.
Official application: L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science US Call for Applications
For application questions, contact lorealusafellowships@aaas.org.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the deadline for the L’Oréal USA For Women in Science 2027 Program?
The deadline is February 12, 2027, at 5:00 PM Eastern Time.
2. Can someone who recently completed a PhD apply?
Yes. Applicants must have received their eligible doctoral degree and started their postdoctoral position by January 31, 2027.
3. Can a researcher with an MD apply?
An MD alone does not meet the degree requirement. However, an applicant who also holds a PhD, DPH, or ScD may qualify.
4. Is previous mentoring experience required?
No. Applicants without previous mentoring experience may apply if they can demonstrate their commitment to supporting women and girls in science and explain their planned activities.
5. Can applicants apply again if they were unsuccessful previously?
Yes. Previous applicants may reapply if they continue to meet the eligibility requirements.
6. Can awardees change institutions during the fellowship?
Yes, subject to program conditions. L’Oréal USA and AAAS must be notified, and continued funding depends on the new position remaining eligible.
7. Is the L’Oréal USA For Women in Science 2027 award a fellowship or research grant?
The programme is commonly described as a fellowship, but the $75,000 is awarded as an institutional research grant rather than an unrestricted personal stipend. Eligible expenses include research equipment, supplies, conferences, and justified salary support. Awardees must follow the approved budget and programme funding conditions.
Stay connected with Careers Help Desk for the latest international fellowships, scholarships, research opportunities and jobs abroad to empower your future!
0 Comments