Written by admin• March 7, 2026• 1:05 pm• Opportunities for Women

L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Middle East Regional Young Talents Program 2026 (With Grants Available) – Apply Now

Application Deadline: 30 April 2026

About the Program

The L’Oréal-UNESCO Middle East Regional Young Talents Program is a prestigious initiative established by the L’Oréal Foundation and UNESCO to recognize and support exceptional Arab women scientists. This regional program aims to strengthen research development in Yemen and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, including the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Oman. The program focuses on building successful careers for women in scientific research and promoting greater female participation in STEM fields across the region. By providing financial support and international recognition, the initiative encourages talented young women to pursue advanced research and contribute to scientific advancement in their home countries. The Middle East Regional Young Talents Program is part of the broader L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science international network, which has supported over 4,000 women scientists from more than 110 countries since its inception, celebrating and empowering female researchers who are pushing the boundaries of science.

The L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Middle East Regional Young Talents Program addresses the underrepresentation of women in scientific research across the Arab world. By providing financial support, professional recognition, and networking opportunities, the program empowers women scientists to pursue ambitious research careers and become role models for future generations. Since its establishment in the region, the program has supported dozens of talented Arab women researchers, many of whom have gone on to make significant contributions to their fields and assume leadership positions in academia and research institutions. The initiative reflects the commitment of the L’Oréal Foundation and UNESCO to gender equality in science and the advancement of scientific knowledge worldwide.

Benefits of the Program

The program awards six grants annually, divided equally between postdoctoral researchers and PhD students:

Postdoctoral Grants:

Three grants of €20,000 each for Arab women researchers working in research laboratories, institutes, or universities in the eligible countries
Funding supports ongoing research activities, equipment, travel for scientific collaboration, and other research-related expenses

PhD Grants:

Three grants of €8,000 each for Arab women pursuing doctoral degrees at eligible institutions
Funding assists with tuition, research materials, conference participation, and living expenses during the PhD period

Eligibility Requirements

Postdoctoral Researchers:

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

Be an Arab national (citizen of an Arab country)
Hold a PhD in Life Sciences or Physical Sciences
Be working in a Research Laboratory, Institute, or University located in one of the GCC countries (UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman) or Yemen
Be no more than 45 years old (born in 1981 or later, taking into account the year of birth)
Early-career researchers who are actively engaged in research activities are eligible, having obtained their PhD within the last 10 years at the time of application (this 10-year period takes into account career breaks such as maternity leave, medical leave, or equivalent)
Early-career researchers must meet all general criteria regarding nationality, affiliation, and age limit

PhD Students:

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

Be an Arab national (citizen of an Arab country)
Hold a Bachelor (B.Sc.) and a Master (M.Sc.) degree, or equivalent, in Life Sciences or Physical Sciences
Be a full-time PhD student registered during the 2025-2026 academic year in the 2nd year of the PhD program, or one year before the thesis defense
Be working in a Research Laboratory, Institute, or University located in one of the GCC countries (UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman) or Yemen
Be no more than 35 years old (born in 1991 or later, taking into account the year of birth)

Scientific Disciplines Covered

The program accepts applications in two broad scientific fields:

Life Sciences:

Biology, biochemistry, molecular biology
Genetics, genomics, bioinformatics
Neuroscience, physiology, pharmacology
Ecology, environmental science, agricultural sciences
Medical sciences, public health, epidemiology

Physical Sciences:

Chemistry, materials science
Physics, astronomy, astrophysics
Mathematics, applied mathematics
Computer science, data science
Engineering sciences, nanotechnology

Selection Criteria

Applications are evaluated by an independent regional jury of distinguished scientists based on:

Scientific excellence of the applicant’s research record
Quality and originality of the research project
Potential impact of the research on scientific advancement and societal challenges
Leadership potential and commitment to advancing women in science
Career trajectory and future research plans

Application Process

Click on the link to the application website to apply. Applications must be submitted through the official online portal and should include:

Completed application form
Curriculum vitae highlighting academic achievements and research experience
List of publications (if applicable)
Detailed research proposal
Academic transcripts and degree certificates
Letters of recommendation from supervisors or senior researchers
Proof of affiliation with an eligible research institution
Copy of passport or national ID

Application Deadline: 30 April 2026. All applications must be submitted through the official portal before the deadline. Late or incomplete submissions will not be considered.

Selection Timeline