L'oréal help female scientists to shine

L'Oréal UK and Ireland has started their search for the UK and Ireland's female scientists to received their Fellowships For Women in Science Awards for 2008.

More than 70% of qualified female scientists are not pursuing a scientific career and the aim of the award is to enourage more of these women to participate in the field of science.

The awards will be presented to four women, each receiving £15,000 (or the Euro equivalent). This will support 12 months of postdoctoral research on their chosen topic in the life or physical sciences.

At present some 340,000 hghly qualified female scientists have been lost and it is hoped that the introduction of the awards and the financial aid and publicity they generate will encourage change 

Chair of the L'Oréal UK and Ireland for Women in Science jury panel, Baroness Susan Greenfield says: "The challenges of a research career for women mean that great scientific minds leave the sector.

With this award, we are turning the spotlight on the fantastic women who are succeeding and the brilliance of research that is being conducted."