Applications for the L’Oréal-UNESCO UK and Ireland Fellowships For Women In Science open today. This year, four outstanding female post-doctoral scientists in the UK or Ireland will be granted a fellowship worth £15,000 each. The finalists will be selected by a panel of eminent scientists, chaired by Professor Dame Athene Donald. Entries can be made online at www.womeninscience.co.uk.
The L’Oréal-UNESCO UK and Ireland Fellowships For Women In Science were launched in 2007 and are designed to provide flexible financial help for the winners to further their research in their chosen fields. Winners may choose to spend their fellowship grants in whichever way is most helpful to them in continuing their research, whether it be buying scientific equipment, hiring an assistant or paying for childcare costs.
Dr Dora Biro was one of the winners of the 2010 fellowships. She received the award for her research on social information use during collective animal movement, which looked into whether birds can learn travel routes from one another.
Dora says: “The award has helped me embark on a novel line of research by allowing me to purchase technical equipment and to cover the costs involved in the day-to-day running of a new set of experiments. It has also allowed me to reconcile family and work commitments by providing financial assistance with childcare – something that no other fellowship offers. With the financial burden lifted, I feel I can focus better on my work. The award has also given me a huge confidence boost!”
The 2011 awards will be adjudicated by a panel of eminent scientists. Julie McManus, Scientific Director at L’Oréal and member of the 2011 judging panel said: “For Women in Science continues to support and encourage women in a wide range of scientific fields, helping to create important role models for inspiring the next generation of young women scientists. All our fellows demonstrate the determination and excellence needed to excel within their fields.”
The closing date for applications to the 2011 L’Oréal-UNESCO UK and Ireland Fellowships For Women In Science is Wednesday 6th April. For further information and to apply, please visit: www.womeninscience.co.uk