The Research and Innovation Directorate (RID) is pleased to inform the University community of the opening of the L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Sub-Saharan Africa Programme 2026. 

This prestigious programme seeks to identify, support, and elevate the next generation of African women scientists who are driving innovation and shaping the future of global research.

Awards and Benefits
The programme will provide:

• Research grants for 30 doctoral candidates and 8 post-doctoral researchers
• Capacity-building training in leadership, management, negotiation, and communication

Funding

• Doctoral Candidates: €10,000
• Post-doctoral Researchers: €15,000 

Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:

• Be citizens of one of the 49 Sub-Saharan African countries
• Be conducting research within a recognized laboratory or institution in Sub-Saharan Africa

Eligible Fields of Research

• Formal Sciences
• Life Sciences
• Environmental Sciences
• Physical Sciences
• Engineering
• Technological Sciences

Specific Requirements
Doctoral Candidates:

• Must be currently enrolled in a doctoral programme
• Must be in at least the second year of study

 Post-doctoral Researchers:

• Must be currently enrolled in a post-doctoral programme
• Must have commenced research before the call opened
• Must have defended their PhD after February 2021
• (Note: The eligibility period is extended by one year per child under the maternity clause)

Kindly note that previous awardees of any L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science programme (national or regional) are not eligible to apply.

Application Deadline: 15 May 2026

How to Apply:
Interested applicants should submit their applications via the official portal:
https://www.forwomeninscience.com/challenge/show/157 

We encourage all eligible female researchers to take advantage of this opportunity. Kindly express your intention to apply by emailing rid-grantsmgt@ug.edu.gh with rocran@ug.edu.gh in copy to indicate their intention to apply for institutional guidance and administrative support.