The L'Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Sub-Saharan Africa programme funds early-career women scientists at doctoral and postdoctoral levels, providing financial support and visibility to help overcome structural barriers in STEM. It exists to promote gender equity in research by enabling talented women to pursue and sustain impactful scientific careers across the region.

- Eligibility: Women scientists who are nationals of and conducting research in one of the 49 Sub-Saharan African countries, including South Africa; must be at doctoral or postdoctoral level. - Research areas: Formal and life sciences, environmental and physical sciences, engineering, and technological sciences. - Evaluation criteria (based on programme history): Scientific excellence of the research proposal, quality and feasibility of the project, potential impact on the field and society, and the applicant's academic track record. - Additional considerations: Leadership potential, commitment to advancing science in Africa, and clarity of career development plans. - Application requirements: Completed online application via the official portal, including CV, research project description, and letters of recommendation (typically required).

Past winners include women scientists from across Sub-Saharan Africa, such as Dr Bambesiwe May (2025 recipient, South Africa), whose work in Earth Sciences addresses environmental challenges from mine dumps. Winners are typically early-career researchers with strong academic records and research projects that address local or regional challenges, often in applied fields with clear societal benefits. The programme has awarded over 320 endowments since 2010, supporting doctoral and postdoctoral researchers.

The ideal applicant is a woman scientist from Sub-Saharan Africa, at doctoral or postdoctoral level, with a proven research track record and a compelling, feasible project in one of the four priority areas. She demonstrates scientific excellence, potential for leadership, and a clear vision for how the funding will advance her career and contribute to solving regional or global challenges.