Deadline: February 13, 2026.

L’Oréal USA partners with the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) to manage the program’s application and peer-review process. Each year, the program attracts talented applicants from diverse STEM fields, representing some of the nation’s leading academic institutions and laboratories. Since 2003, the L’Oréal USA For Women in Science fellowship program has awarded over 100 postdoctoral women scientists almost $5 million in grants. 

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

• Must have a conferred PhD and have started in a postdoctoral research position by January 31, 2026
• Must maintain the status of postdoctoral researcher throughout the fellowship year
• Must be American born, naturalized citizen or permanent resident
• Must be affiliated with a U.S. based academic or research institution
• Must plan to conduct their postdoctoral studies and research in the U.S.
• Must be involved in basic research in the life and physical/material sciences, engineering & technology, computer science and mathematics
• Cannot be in a faculty position
• Must commit to at least twenty hours of activity in support of women and girls in science (e.g. mentoring, classroom visits, media, events)
• Must be available the week of November 9, 2026 for the For Women in Science Awards Week.

BENEFITS

The five 2026 awardees will receive $75,000 to advance their innovative research along with their outreach activities to support the next generation of women in STEM.  

SELECTION CRITERIA

1. SCIENTIFIC EXCELLENCE AND QUALITY OF PROPOSED RESEARCH

Scientific excellence and appropriateness of proposed research:

• What is the quality and feasibility of the research?
• To what extent does the proposed research have the potential to advance this field of study and contribute more broadly to the advancement of society? How significant are the wider impacts of this research?
• Is the candidate qualified to conduct the proposed research?
• Ability to plan and conduct research either as a member of a team or independently:
  • Are the important concepts, objectives, and processes clearly defined? Do the proposed approaches adequately address the objectives?
  • Does the candidate have a proven track record of having successfully completed research in the past, which would predict success for this proposal?
• Evidence of originality, initiative, and productivity
  • Is the proposed research innovative, unique, and relevant?
• Choice of host institution and department mentor
  • Can the host institution and investigator provide adequate facilities and academic/professional support for this research proposal?

2. INTELLECTUAL MERIT AND POTENTIAL FOR CAREER ENHANCEMENT

Intellectual merit, academic records, and accepted requisites for scholarly scientific study:

• Does this candidate have adequate education and background to conduct the proposed research and advance this field of study?
• Potential for career enhancement if awarded the fellowship:
  • To what extent will the funding and exposure of this fellowship enhance the candidate’s professional and personal development?

3. BUDGET PROPOSAL

• Is the proposed budget allocation a reasonable and appropriate use of funds? To what extent will the funding support the candidate’s research project and provide career enhancement?

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