The Nature Awards Inspiring Women in Science 2025 celebrates and supports the outstanding contributions of women in science and those who work to encourage girls and young women to pursue and stay in STEM careers. Hosted by Nature and The Estée Lauder Companies, these prestigious awards recognize both individual scientific achievements and science outreach initiatives that inspire the next generation of female scientists.
There are two award categories:
- Scientific Achievement Award – Recognizing early-career women researchers who have made exceptional scientific contributions and have the potential to lead an independent research group.
- Science Outreach Award – Recognizing individuals, teams, and organizations that have encouraged girls and young women to engage with and pursue careers in STEM fields.
Winners receive a cash prize of US$50,000, full funding for travel and accommodation to the award ceremony, global recognition, mentoring opportunities, and networking with leading scientists.
Quick Overview of the Nature Awards Inspiring Women in Science 2025
- Host Organizations: Nature & The Estée Lauder Companies
- Application Deadline: April 9, 2025 (11:59 PM UTC)
- Award Ceremony: October 2025 (London or New York)
- Prize Value: US$50,000 for winners, US$5,000 for runners-up
- Eligibility: Open to international applicants from science and outreach fields
Perks of the Awards for Women in STEM 2025
- Cash prize of US$50,000 for winners and US$5,000 for runners-up.
- Fully funded trip to London or New York for the award ceremony.
- Media coverage on Nature.com to highlight winners’ achievements.
- Exclusive mentoring sessions are available through The Estée Lauder Companies.
- Invitation to present work to leading scientists at The Estée Lauder Companies.
- Access to an exclusive coaching and networking community.
Benefits of the Science Awards for Women 2025
- Winners receive international exposure for their research and outreach efforts.
- Connect with top scientists, researchers, and outreach leaders.
- Cash prizes help advance research and STEM initiatives.
- Mentoring and coaching from industry leaders.
- Recognition for initiatives promoting women in STEM.
- Opportunity to present work to a global audience.
Eligibility Criteria of the International Science Awards 2025
- Science Outreach Category:
- Open to individuals, teams, organizations, or departments (any gender).
- The initiative must engage girls and young women in STEM fields or increase retention of women in STEM careers.
- Entries should showcase exceptional vision, innovation, and impact.
- Scientific Achievement Category:
- Open to women researchers who have made significant scientific contributions.
- Applicants must self-identify as women, including trans women, genderqueer, and non-binary individuals.
- Must hold a PhD, MD, or doctorate in the last 10 years (extensions allowed for maternity or other leaves).
- Must hold a non-tenured position at the time of application.
- Should demonstrate leadership potential and efforts to inspire the next generation of scientists.
Important Dates of the Nature Awards Inspiring Women in Science 2025
- Applications Open: January 15, 2025
- Application Deadline: April 9, 2025 (11:59 PM UTC)
- Application Assessment: April – August 2025
- Successful Applicants Notified: September 2025
- Award Ceremony: October 2025
How to Apply to the Leadership Development Awards for Women 2025
- Complete the Online Application
- Choose the Correct Category
- Science Outreach – For initiatives supporting women in STEM.
- Scientific Achievement – For individual women researchers making scientific contributions.
- Prepare Required Documents
- Science Outreach Category:
- Description of your initiative.
- Impact and success of the initiative.
- Future expansion plans.
- Scientific Achievement Category:
- Summary of scientific achievements.
- List of publications.
- Contributions to mentoring and STEM outreach.
- Science Outreach Category:
- Ensure all materials are submitted before April 9, 2025.
- Shortlisted applicants will be contacted for further information.
Required Documents for the Nature Awards Inspiring Women in Science 2025
- Updated CV/Résumé detailing academic and professional background.
- Two references from colleagues or mentors who can validate the applicant’s work.
- Project or Research Proposal describing the initiative or scientific work.
- Supporting Evidence (publications, media coverage, project impact reports, etc.).
Evaluation Criteria for the Awards
Applications will be assessed based on the following:
- Science Outreach Category:
- Initiative’s impact, success, and sustainability.
- Innovation and creativity in engaging young women in STEM.
- Future vision and expansion plans.
- Scientific Achievement Category:
- Significance of scientific contributions.
- Publication record and research impact.
- Efforts beyond research, including outreach and mentorship.
Additional Information
- All applications must be submitted through the Submittable platform.
- Drafts can be saved and completed later before submission.
- Winners and runners-up will be invited to an in-person award ceremony.
- Shortlisted applicants will be profiled on the Nature Awards website.
For further inquiries, visit the official Nature Awards website.
