L'Oréal Groupe Mexico and UNESCO Launch the 2026 “For Women in Science” National Call for Applications

L'Oréal Groupe Mexico, in collaboration with UNESCO and the Mexican Academy of Sciences (AMC), launches the 2026 call for applications for the "For Women in Science" program, on the International Day of Women and Girls in Science (February 11). This initiative promotes and recognizes the work of women scientists in Mexico and supports their contributions to knowledge development.

Araceli Becerril, Corporate Responsibility Director at L'Oréal Mexico, underscores the importance of this initiative and the role of women in science: "At L'Oréal, we do not just dream about the future-we design it by removing barriers and paving the way. We want tomorrow's women scientists to find a horizon free of prejudice, and we lead by example: 69% of our researchers are women, and they sign 55% of our patents. Science is our DNA and equality our driving force. Because the world needs science, and we are clearing the path so that science always counts on women."

UNESCO Representative in Mexico Andrés Morales notes that, worldwide, more young women than men continue to higher education, but only 35% of graduates in STEM fields (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) are women, and only one in three people dedicated to scientific research is a woman. "The figures reflect the persistence of structural gaps, but we can reduce inequalities by working together. Gender equality is not only an ethical imperative; it is a prerequisite for achieving sustainable development for all people and our planet."

Meanwhile, Dr. José Seade Kuri, President of the Mexican Academy of Sciences, emphasized: "For the AMC, it is a priority to continue supporting this program, thereby helping ensure that women's research work is recognized. Supporting the scientific work of women researchers is a critical objective to increase and make visible the work of women in science and technology."

The "For Women in Science" program offers two distinct opportunities:

• Awards for Established Researchers: Three awards of MXN $250,000.00 each will be granted to established women researchers in Mexico with outstanding achievements in the fields of exact sciences, natural sciences, engineering, and technology. The awards recognize their scientific contributions and professional trajectory.

• Fellowships for Postdoctoral Researchers: Five fellowships of MXN $160,000.00 each will be granted to young women scientists conducting postdoctoral research in exact sciences, natural sciences, engineering, and technology. The fellowships aim to support their research projects and contribute to knowledge development.

Eligibility and Application:

• Awards: Candidates must be over 50 years of age and have at least 15 years of experience at Mexican institutions. The application deadline is Monday, April 13, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. (Central Mexico Time).

• Fellowships: Candidates must have obtained their doctoral degree within the past five years and must not have turned 40 years old by May 1, 2026. The application deadline is Monday, April 13, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. (Central Mexico Time).