Women scientists are making an undeniable contribution to finding creative and sustainable solutions to global challenges ranging from disease to climate change. Despite their potential, they still represent 33% of researchers globally, only 4% of Nobel Prizes in science have been awarded to women, and only 11%* of senior research roles are held by women in Europe. Furthermore, the profession of a researcher is among the most underrated in Bulgaria both in terms of public recognition and payment rates. The main goals of the program is therefore to support female scientists in their careers, to recognize their potential, to encourage more young ladies in Bulgaria to choose a career in science and to promote discoveries in general.

Fellowships are awarded to women scientists who are developing significant research in the field of natural sciences in Bulgaria. Among the eligibility requirements are that they are Bulgarian citizens up to 35 years of age who have enrolled in or completed a PhD degree. To promote the program, organizers rely on support from the scientific community all over the country, universities, relevant institutions, and local media.

The For Women in Science initiative has a long history worldwide and plays crucial part in L’Oreal’s long-term corporate social responsibility strategy. Ever since it was launched in 1998 in partnership between L’Oreal and UNESCO, the program aims to support science progress, to promote the role of women in science and diversity. From the start of the initiative in Bulgaria in 2010 until today the program has recognized 33 talented women researchers.

2022 was a special year for the For Women in Science program in Bulgaria, because the number of recognized ladies reached 33 and the allocated award fund – 165 000 euros! In addition, the projects of the awarded women were beyond impressive – incl. purifying waters method, coronavirus treatment and future pandemic solutions, finite energy solutions. The importance of all these winning projects proved once again the crucial need for female scientists to be supported. The program and the remarkable fellows are a true inspiration not only for the Bulgarian scientific community, but also for a growing number of high-ranking local government officials who demonstrate their full support for the program's cause. An exciting moment for the program was the official award ceremony for the 2022 winners, which was attended by representatives of Sofia Municipality, the Ministry of Education and Science, the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences and over 20 leading media partners. The purpose of the ceremony was to provide Bulgarian women in science with a deserved recognition and to promote the general need of science.

So far, 33 Bulgarian female scientists have been recognized and awarded with fellowships totaling 165 000 euros. The applicants’ interest remains strong every year as in 2022 the projects were assessed with higher feasibility in Bulgaria, quality and potential successful implementation. The great media & public interest towards the program (over 250 articles in 2022) also contributes to boost the local popularity of the profession ‘scientist’ and trigger national discussions of the importance of science. The program managed to build the first community of young women scientists in Bulgaria, and this year introduced the current fellows to last year's fellows, providing them with the opportunity to support and motivate each other, to join efforts and knowledge for a better tomorrow.