Selected candidates will receive financial support to advance their research, which may include grants to cover research costs, equipment, or academic expenses. In addition to funding, recipients gain international recognition as part of the For Women in Science community, which significantly enhances their academic and professional visibility.

Participants also benefit from networking opportunities with leading scientists, mentorship from established professionals, and access to a global platform that supports collaboration and knowledge exchange. The programme helps build long-term career opportunities by connecting awardees with institutions, partners, and initiatives that promote scientific advancement and innovation.

This opportunity is open to women scientists who are nationals of and working in countries across Sub-Saharan Africa. Applicants must be pursuing a PhD or have already obtained a doctoral degree in a recognized scientific field such as life sciences, environmental sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, engineering, or related disciplines. Candidates are expected to be actively engaged in research that demonstrates scientific excellence and has the potential to contribute to solving pressing challenges within their communities or globally.

Applicants must also be affiliated with a recognized university or research institution within Sub-Saharan Africa at the time of application. The programme strongly encourages candidates who demonstrate leadership potential, commitment to advancing women in science, and the ability to act as role models for future generations of female scientists.

For the L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Programme (Challenge 157), eligibility depends on the specific regional call, but based on the Sub-Saharan Africa edition linked to this challenge, the programme is open to applicants from countries across Sub-Saharan Africa. 

This means that women scientists from all eligible Sub-Saharan African countries can apply, including Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Nigeria, Ghana, Rwanda, Ethiopia, Senegal, Zimbabwe, and many others within the region. Applicants must typically be conducting their research or enrolled in a university within one of these countries. 

The programme broadly covers 48–49 countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, making it highly inclusive for African researchers, as long as they meet the academic and research requirements set by the call.

Click the official link below to apply for this opportunity