Visibility matters not for vanity but for impact. Recognition through awards and fellowships can elevate a woman’s career in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics, unlocking leadership opportunities, funding, and the credibility needed to influence change. Yet too often, women in STEM underestimate how strategic nominations and applications can shape their professional trajectory.
This guide outlines some of the most respected global and local awards and fellowships for women in STEM, alongside insights on how to position yourself effectively for them.
Why Awards Matter for Women in STEM
Awards are not merely trophies. They are a signal of excellence, a marker of trust, and an invitation to new opportunities. For women, they also serve a deeper purpose to make contributions visible in a system that has historically under-recognised them.
A nomination can increase credibility with funders, employers, and collaborators. It can also help build a professional brand that amplifies your expertise beyond your immediate role. See Professional Brand for Women in STEM.
Global Awards Every Woman in STEM Should Know
L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Awards
One of the most prestigious global recognitions for female researchers, these awards honour five exceptional scientists annually, one from each continent, for groundbreaking contributions to scientific progress.
Eligibility: Established women researchers
Benefit: €100,000 grant, global media visibility, and lifelong alumni network
Nature Research Awards for Inspiring Women in Science
Run by Nature, this initiative celebrates women who are changing research culture and supporting the next generation. Categories include scientific achievement and initiatives that promote gender equity.
Benefit: Global recognition, media coverage, and leadership visibility
Schlumberger Foundation Faculty for the Future Fellowship
Designed to support women from developing and emerging economies to pursue PhDs or postdoctoral studies in STEM fields abroad.
Benefit: Full academic funding, leadership training, and a vibrant alumni network
OWSD Fellowships (Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World)
These awards empower women scientists from low-income countries to study and research at international institutions, building long-term scientific capacity.
Benefit: Research support, mentorship, and regional collaboration
Elsevier Foundation Awards for Early-Career Women Scientists
Recognises excellence in early research with direct societal impact, particularly in the Global South.
Benefit: $5,000 cash prize, mentorship, and conference participation
Prominent UK and Europe-Based Awards
The Royal Society Rosalind Franklin Award
Celebrates outstanding women in STEM who are influencing others to pursue scientific careers. The award includes a medal, a grant, and a public engagement project.
Benefit: £40,000 grant to fund outreach and engagement activities
FDM Everywoman in Technology Awards
These awards spotlight women driving innovation and diversity in technology, from engineers to entrepreneurs.
Benefit: National recognition, professional exposure, and community influence
WISE Awards (Women in Science and Engineering)
A long-standing UK initiative celebrating women who are shaping the future of STEM through innovation, leadership, and advocacy.
Benefit: Career visibility, networking with STEM leaders, and national profile
Daphne Jackson Trust Fellowships
Support women and men returning to STEM research after a career break, offering paid fellowships at universities or research institutions across the UK.
Benefit: Salary funding, research reintegration, and flexible pathways back into academia
Athena Swan Linked Institutional Fellowships
While not individual awards, many UK universities use the Athena Swan Charter to develop bespoke fellowships and leadership pathways for women.
Benefit: Structured advancement within higher education, often combined with mentorship
Regional and Industry-Specific Opportunities
Africa Women Innovation and Entrepreneurship Forum (AWIEF) Awards
These recognise outstanding African women scientists and entrepreneurs advancing innovation across STEM sectors.
Benefit: Continental recognition and partnership opportunities
Women in Engineering Awards (IEEE, IET, and regional bodies)
Several engineering institutions now run gender-inclusive awards highlighting technical excellence, leadership, and community engagement.
Benefit: Recognition by professional peers and industry credibility
Australian Women in STEM and Entrepreneurship (WiSE) Awards
Honour women leading innovation across academia and business in Australia and Oceania.
Benefit: National visibility, professional development, and funding exposure
India’s SERB Women Excellence Award
Offered by the Science and Engineering Research Board, this supports early-career Indian women researchers showing exceptional promise.
Benefit: Funding for research projects and mentorship opportunities
EU Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Fellowships
While not limited to women, these fellowships strongly encourage diversity and inclusion. They fund postdoctoral mobility and cross-sector collaboration across Europe.
Benefit: Research funding, European network membership, and leadership pathways
How to Strengthen Your Application
Winning an award or fellowship is not just about being brilliant, it is about communicating your impact. Consider the following strategies
- Frame your achievements in terms of outcomes, not just activities. Demonstrate how your work creates measurable impact.
- Build visibility early through speaking engagements and publications. See Conference Speaking for Women in STEM.
- Gather strong recommendations from mentors or collaborators who can articulate your influence.
- Tailor your application to the award’s values rather than reusing the same narrative each time.
- Highlight leadership, outreach, or mentoring activities alongside technical expertise.
The Power of Recognition
Awards and fellowships are more than acknowledgements of past work. They are catalysts for future opportunity. Each recognition adds weight to your voice and credibility to your expertise, enabling you to open doors for others as well as yourself.
If you have won an award, received a fellowship, or led an impactful initiative, you can feature your profile in the Women in STEM Network directory. Share your achievements and inspire the next generation.