THINK EN CIENCIA

UNESCO-L'OREAL Co-Sponsored Fellowships Programme for Young Women in Life Sciences

Within the framework of the UNESCO Co-Sponsored Fellowships Scheme, a joint programme has been launched with the L’ORÉAL Corporate Foundation with a view to promoting the contribution of young women - from all over the world – in research developments in the field of life sciences.

The UNESCO-L’ORÉAL fellowships scheme focuses on UNESCO’s premise that people are the world’s greatest resource and that innovation and excellence, especially among the young women community, deserve to be supported and encouraged through the concerted efforts of the international community. The award of the fellowships constitutes a key strategy through which impetus is being given to the enhancement of the role of women in devising scientific solutions to problems confronting humankind in the twenty-first century. TARGET GROUP The programme is designed to identify and reward fifteen deserving, committed and talented young women scientists, from all over the world, active in the field of life sciences. With a view to ensuring that a balanced geographical representation is made, a maximum of three young women, from each of the five geo-cultural regions of the world, will be awarded fellowships. Candidates must already be engaged in pursuing research at the doctoral or post-doctoral level in one or allied fields of life sciences including biology, biochemistry, biotechnology, agriculture, medicine, pharmacy and physiology. Projects involving animal models (i.e. experimentation using vertebrate laboratory animals) are rejected, and proposals in the area of cosmetics research are NOT encouraged; preference is given to non cosmetic researches. Special attention will be given to candidatures from the Least Developed Countries(LDCs). ELIGIBILITY Applicants (maximum four from each applying National Commission) must meet the following general criteria: 1- The National Commission must endorse all applications. UNESCO cannot entertain applications from individuals. 2- Candidates must be no more than 35 years old. Thus, applicants born before 1 January 1976 will not be considered under this programme. 3- Preference will be given to candidates already possessing at the time of application a Ph.D. degree (or equivalent) in the field of the life sciences. However, candidatures from students pursuing studies/research leading to a Ph.D. degree (or equivalent) will also be entertained. 4- Only candidates with the necessary qualifications, who demonstrate outstanding intellectual promise and personal qualities, will be considered under this programme. 5- Candidates must be proficient in reading and writing the language of instruction in the proposed country of study. 6- Applicants must be in good health, both physically and mentally. 7- Candidates may not be in receipt of another fellowship/grant for the project or for the period covered by the fellowship application. If the candidate receives another award, scholarship or fellowship for the proposed research, she should inform UNESCO immediately and her application will be reviewed and may be withdrawn. CONDITIONS FOR APPLICATION: 1. Field of study: Life Sciences 2. Closing date for receipt of applications: 30 June 2010 3. Duration of proposed study/research: 12 months with possibility of extension for additional 12 months 4. Duration of stay in the host country/laboratory: At least half of the period of the fellowship must be undertaken abroad, for a minimum duration of 6 months and a maximum duration of 12 months. If an extension is granted then duration abroad is minimum 12 months and maximum 22 months. In the latter case, the applicant is requested to complete the studies in her own country for a minimum of two months. 5. Possible date of commencing the project: Any time between 1 March 2011 &1 March 2012 2011 Cycle - UNESCO-L’ORÉAL Co-Sponsored Fellowships for Young Women in Life Sciences