Application period open -- Women in STEM encouraged to apply for Inspiring Women in Science Award 2021
Nature Research Awards, part of Springer Nature, and The Estée Lauder Companies are now accepting applications from women researchers and those promoting STEM to girls and young women
London | New York, 12 April 2021
Leading women* researchers, and those engaged in STEM** outreach with girls and women are encouraged to apply for this year’s Inspiring Women in Science Award. The annual award programme – which in previous years was known as Inspiring & Innovating Science – is administered by Nature Research Awards in partnership with The Estée Lauder Companies, and underlines the commitment of both organisations to promote gender equity in scientific research and education. Applications can be made via an online application form between 12 April and 20 June 2021, and the winners will be announced in October 2021 during a dedicated ceremony.
There are two categories within the Inspiring Women in Science Award:
The Science Outreach category is presented to a project, organisation or programme that supports girls and young women to study, engage with and enjoy STEM subjects, or that increases the retention of women in science careers. Initiatives across academia, education, NGOs, and corporate entities can be considered for the award.
The Scientific Achievement category is given to early-career researchers who self-identify as women, and who have made an exceptional contribution to scientific discovery and the literature, sometimes despite challenges relating to resources, location or language skills.
Each category winner receives a monetary grant of US$40,000 to spend on initiatives relating to their work, as well as mentoring through The Estée Lauder Companies and other publicity opportunities.
Winners will be selected by independent judging panels consisting of academic scientists, external experts, as well as staff from Nature Portfolio and The Estée Lauder Companies. A shortlist will be announced in September 2021 in advance of the award ceremony in October 2021.
“Winning this award in 2019 was a game changer for us,” explained Doreen Anene, founder of The STEM Belle, which won the Outreach category two years ago. “Thanks to the visibility and support we received, we successfully rolled out The STEM Belle Teachers Fellowship and Teachers kit, a teacher training and development programme and resource kit for teachers in low income community schools. This has never happened before in Nigeria.”
Magdalena Skipper, Editor-in-Chief of Nature and judging panel member, said: “Women, especially those in the early stages of their research career, continue to be underappreciated for their contributions to science. It is therefore very satisfying to see how this award, now in its fourth year, shines a spotlight on outstanding women researchers. The winners of this award are much needed role models for others to follow in the footsteps of. Equally importantly, the award helps further STEM subjects with women and girls in a diverse range of countries across the world. It is with great pleasure that we continue our partnership with The Estée Lauder Companies. I strongly encourage outstanding women researchers and organisations to apply for this initiative.”
Lisa Napolione, Senior Vice President, Global Research & Development at The Estée Lauder Companies and judging panel member, said: “At The Estée Lauder Companies, we know that women scientists across the world have the potential to contribute to amazing research, but in order to enable their success, we must commit to more inclusive teams, labs and STEM organisations to fully tap into that potential. We believe these awards are making a true difference in that mission, and we are honoured to continue our partnership with Nature Research Awards to keep discovering and celebrating those doing exceptional work to close the gender gap in STEM.”
*We use an inclusive definition of ‘woman’ and ‘women’. We welcome trans women, genderqueer and non-binary people.
**STEM includes natural sciences, technology, engineering, mathematics and medicine.
Please see here for further details about the awards and how to apply.
Find out more about last year’s winners Samira Asgari and Chicas en Tecnología
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Elizabeth Hawkins | Springer Nature | Communications
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