GCC and Yemen female scientists urged to run for fellowships from L’Oreal/UNESCO

The door is open for women in the region to run for the Fellowship Program titled “For Women in Science”, recently announced by L’Oreal Foundation and UNESCO, in collaboration with Zayed University, UAE.

The competition for these awards for the year 2014 is limited to four female scientists/researchers, in recognition of their contribution to advancement of scientific development, and as a symbol of support to their professional career in science.

Both of Zayed University and “L’Oreal Middle East” Had signed last month a memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in the fellowship program which was launched in the year 2010. This program provides support for women researchers on all continents and at different points in their careers. This may come in the early stages of a young researcher’s vocation or be in celebration of a full career committed to scientific advancement. The fifth edition of the program covers GCC countries along with Yemen, granting four 20.000 Euro -fellowships to  a female researcher from UAE and other three peers who will be selected from the other six countries.

According to the Memorandum, Zayed University will  nominate a Professor in Life Sciences to join the current Jury of the program as a Jury member and will work with them on the evaluation of applications and selection of the final fellows.

The University will also be in charge of the “Call for Application” in UAE and GCC Universities. As it has strong established connections with all GCC universities, it will communicate with them on the program and encourage application of eligible candidates. It will also host seminars to be conducted by former fellows in order to explain more about the Program and to encourage eligible candidates to apply. On the other hand, L’Oreal Middle East will coordinate with the Internship Office of the First Party to offer national and international internship opportunities for students.

L’Oreal Middle East urged the targeted women who wish to participate in the program to fill out the application forms and submit them before July 31, 2014 through the website: www.fwis.fr.

Mr. Thierry Houssin, Managing Director of L’Oréal Middle East, said that ensuring that women in the field of science deserves appreciation and support is the main objective of the partnership between L’Oreal Foundation and UNESCO.

“L’Oreal –UNESCO program “For Women in Science” is highlighting the exceptional effort done by Arab women in the field of science and making it a model role”, he assured.

“The winners of the grants in the past years and those who will join it this year are a good example of the future female scientists, as they enjoy the sense of creativity plus the perseverance for a successful career in the field of science”, he added.