But this year, it’s a little different: along with researchers from the Life Sciences, from 2023 onward women working in the STEM disciplines can also apply. The fellowships are created for excellent female scientists, as a boost to their career. The two € 30,000 fellowships are available for women who have between 3 and 10 years post-PhD academic experience. They will be able to apply until 1 March at the latest.

Research stay

The Dutch For Women in Science fellowships comprise a research stay at NIAS-KNAW in Amsterdam. Researchers are exempted from regular responsibilities such as teaching, administrative and clinical duties for one semester. This provides them a time and space for contemplation, during which they may write scientific publications or grant applications. They are offered an inspiring place to work in an interdisciplinary and international environment. If necessary, accommodation can also be provided.

The L’Oréal-Unesco For Women in Science Programme

The prestigious international ‘For Women in Science’ programme is a collaboration between Unesco and L’Oréal with the tagline: The world needs science, and science needs women. The programme awards fellowships and prizes to exceptional female scientists from around the globe. Since 1998, more than 3900 women from 110 countries have received a fellowship or award. Five of them have gone on to win a Nobel Prize, including the Nobel Prize winners of 2020 for Chemistry, Emmanuelle Charpentier and Jennifer Doudna.

Since 2012, the Netherlands Commission for Unesco and L’Oréal Belgilux & the Netherlands have managed the Dutch fellowship programme in cooperation with the Netherlands Institute for Advanced Study (NIAS-KNAW) and the Dutch Network of Women Professors (LNVH).

The current situation in the Netherlands

According to the Dutch Network of Women Professors (LNVH) Women Professors Monitor 2021, only one out of four Dutch professors is a woman. In Europe, this puts the Netherlands near the bottom of the list. The For Women in Science programme aims to boost the scientific careers of women when they need it the most, and as such, aims to contribute to an increase of top level women scientists.

How to apply

More information concerning the fellowship programme and how to apply is available on this website, including the application forms and guidelines. For more information you can also contact Dr Jon Verriet, Netherlands Commission for Unesco, info@unesco.nl.

Closing date is 1 March 2023