The L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science  partnership  was launched in 1998 with the aim to ensuring  a fair representation of women  at all levels of science and promoting their participation in high-level processes shaping the science agenda.

Through the  For Women in Science International Awards, the Fondation L'Oréal and UNESCO recognize and support the pioneering work of exceptional women researchers and their major contribution to overcoming today's global challenges such as pandemics, climate change, the threat to biodiversity, or the acceleration of new technologies. 

As such, L'Oréal and UNESCO want to highlight the scientific excellence of many women scientists worldwide and provide them with the means to continue their commitment to science with energy and passion. Each of them has had a unique career path combining exceptional talent, a deep commitment to her profession and remarkable courage in a field still largely dominated by men.

Presented each year to five outstanding women scientists - one per each of the following regions: Africa and the Arab States, Asia and the Pacific, Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean, North America - to date the L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science International Awards have recognized 117 Laureates in Life and Environmental sciences, Physical sciences, Mathematics and Computer science. 

Key figures:

• 5 International Awards per year
• 117 Laureates from 38 countries 
• More than 50 international experts involved in the selection