Science has had a female face for ten years – the L’Oréal–UNESCO For Women in Science program opens a new edition.

Bratislava, February 11, 2026: From cancer and neurodegenerative disease research, through solutions addressing climate challenges, to hardware security and innovations in assisted reproduction—top scientific projects are being developed in Slovakia in all these fields, led by women. The L’Oréal–UNESCO For Women in Science program is launching its jubilee 10th edition and invites researchers with a PhD under the age of 40 to apply. Three laureates will receive financial support totaling €21,000 for the further development of their research and careers.

Although women make up a significant part of the scientific community in Europe, their representation in research and engineering still lags behind. According to Eurostat, women accounted for 41% of scientists and engineers in the EU in 2023, while in Slovakia the share was even lower—34.3%, among the lowest in the European Union. This is why it is important to create space where their achievements are visible not only within academic circles but also in society as a whole.

Applications are now open

In its 10th edition, the program will again recognize women scientists in three areas: engineering sciences and technologies, life sciences, and physical and formal sciences. Applicants must be researchers with a PhD under the age of 40 working at Slovak scientific institutions. Three laureates will share financial support of €21,000, which can be used not only for further research but also for professional or personal development. Applications can be submitted from February 1 to May 10, 2026, via the website www.prezenyvovede.sk.

Dozens of stories, one common goal

Over the years, the program has supported 22 outstanding women scientists, who have shared a total of €112,000. Their research spans medicine, energy, environmental challenges, as well as cutting-edge technological and material solutions. What they share is the courage to ask new questions and persevere in an environment that is still not always naturally inclusive for women.

“Over the past ten years, we have witnessed young scientists grow into respected experts who have the courage to follow their own path. Laureates of previous editions now work at leading research institutions, lead their own teams, and bring their research from laboratories into practice. We see this jubilee edition as an invitation for the next generation—to not be afraid to apply, step out of the shadows, and make themselves known,” said Ivona Karvinen, head of the program for the Czech Republic and Slovakia at L’Oréal.

In Slovakia, the L’Oréal–UNESCO For Women in Science program is implemented in cooperation with the Slovak Academy of Sciences, the Slovak Organization for Research and Development Activities, and the Slovak Commission for UNESCO.

Applications for the 10th edition of the program can be submitted until April 30, 2026, via www.prezenyvovede.sk.

Winners of the 9th edition

Thirty experts applied to the previous (9th) edition of the L’Oréal–UNESCO For Women in Science project. Awards were presented in three research areas.

In the category of engineering sciences and technologies, the winner was Zuzana Garaiová, who works at the Department of Biophysics, Faculty of Mathematics, Physics and Informatics, Comenius University. She focuses on the biophysical study of nanoparticles, such as nanoemulsions, which could be used in targeted cancer therapy.

The laureate in the category of physical and formal sciences was Anna Kityk from the Advanced Materials Research Center and the Institute of Materials and Machine Mechanics of the Slovak Academy of Sciences. Her research focuses on green hydrogen—a clean fuel of the future that leaves only water after use.

In the category of life sciences, the winner was Lenka Lorencová from the Institute of Chemistry of the Slovak Academy of Sciences. She develops nanobiosensors capable of detecting cancer at very early stages.

* Zdroj : https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/web/products-eurostat-news/w/edn-20250211-1