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Applications are currently being accepted for the Springer Nature Inspiring Women in Science Awards 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
The Inspiring Women in Science awards celebrate and support the achievements of women in science, and all those who work to encourage girls and young women to engage with STEM subjects and stay in STEM careers around the world.
They are looking for initiatives that have either:
We accept applications from organizations, departments, individuals (of any gender), or project teams. Please nominate one spokesperson who will be our point of contact and represent the winning entry at the award ceremony.
Scientific Achievement category
We are looking for applicants who have made an exceptional, demonstrable contribution to scientific discovery, and may have faced significant personal or professional challenges. The applicant should exhibit the potential for developing and leading an independent research group. We are also keen that applicants have made efforts to inspire the next generation of scientists through outreach or support the retention of women in science careers.
Applicants must self-identify as women. We use an inclusive definition of ‘woman’ and ‘women’. We welcome trans women, and genderqueer and non-binary people.
Applicants must hold a PhD degree, a medical degree (MD), or another type of doctorate by dissertation obtained in the last 10 years.
The previously mentioned 10 years will be extended by any maternity leave(s) or other relevant leaves of absence. Thus, the 10 years do not need to be continuous. Details of these absences will need to be specified during the application process.
Applicants must hold a non-tenured position at the time of application. We accept applications from those working in STEM. We also welcome applications that include an interdisciplinary component.
