About the opportunity
Managed by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) in partnership with L’Oréal USA, the For Women in Science US program supports early-career female scientists. The fellowship awards grants to five postdoctoral women each year who are conducting research in basic STEM disciplines at U.S. institutions and actively engaging in outreach to support future generations of women in science.
Funding and benefits
- Grant funding of $75,000 awarded to five selected postdoctoral researchers for research and outreach activities
- Invitation and participation in the For Women in Science Awards Week scheduled for November 2027
Who can apply?
- Must have a conferred PhD and have started in a postdoctoral research position by January 31, 2027
- Must maintain postdoctoral researcher status throughout the fellowship year and cannot hold a faculty position
- Must be an American born citizen, naturalized citizen, or U.S. permanent resident
- Must be affiliated with a U.S.-based academic or research institution and plan to conduct postdoctoral research within the United States
- Must be engaged in basic research in life and physical/material sciences, engineering & technology, computer science, or mathematics
- Must commit to at least 20 hours of activity supporting women and girls in science (such as mentoring, classroom visits, media, or events)
- Must be available in November 2027 to attend the For Women in Science Awards Week
Required documents
- Completed online application form via the AAAS application portal
- Completed budget using the official program budget template
When to apply
- Application deadline: February 12, 2027
- Awards Week attendance required: November 2027
How to apply
- Review eligibility requirements and resources, including the program FAQ and Fact Sheet
- Download and complete the mandatory budget template
- Access the official AAAS application portal to create an account
- Submit the complete application and supporting materials before the deadline on February 12, 2027
Additional information
- For inquiries regarding the application process, candidates can contact lorealusafellowships@aaas.org
- Individuals interested in serving as peer reviewers may contact Rachel Keen at rkeen@aaas.org
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- Postdoctoral women scientists based at U.S. research institutions pursuing foundational STEM research
- Researchers with a demonstrated enthusiasm and commitment to devoting time to STEM outreach and mentoring young women and girls
What should you think carefully about?
- Requires U.S. citizenship or permanent residency; non-resident foreign postdocs are not eligible
- Applicants must already hold a conferred PhD and be in a active postdoctoral role by January 31, 2027
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This fellowship is ideal for female postdoctoral researchers seeking substantial financial support to accelerate independent scientific research while building a track record of leadership in STEM outreach and mentorship.
Our take
Female postdoctoral researchers affiliated with U.S. institutions who meet the citizenship/residency criteria and wish to combine scientific research with outreach should strongly consider applying before the February 12, 2027 deadline.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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