Springer Nature Inspiring Women in Science Awards 2026

📝 About Springer Nature Inspiring Women in Science Awards

The Inspiring Women in Science Awards celebrate and support the achievements of women in science, as well as initiatives that encourage girls and young women to engage with STEM subjects and remain in STEM careers globally.

🎁 Benefits of the Awards

• Two winners will be awarded US$50,000, and two runners-up will receive US$5,000.
• Winners will be invited to an award ceremony in London or New York, with accommodation and travel expenses covered.
• Coverage on nature.com and mentoring opportunities through The Estée Lauder Companies.

✅ Eligibility Criteria

Requirements for Initiatives:

• Initiatives must have either:
  • Encouraged girls or young women to engage with and study natural sciences, technology, engineering, mathematics, and medicine (STEM).
  • Increased retention of women in STEM careers, focusing on providing tools to support women through their career progression in a STEM discipline.

Additional Information:

• Applications are accepted from organizations, departments, individuals (of any gender), or project teams.
• A spokesperson must be nominated to represent the winning entry at the award ceremony.
• Entries should demonstrate exceptional vision, insight, and/or imagination in encouraging, supporting, or promoting the interests of girls and/or women in STEM. Interdisciplinary components are welcome.

🌟 Scientific Achievement Category

Applicants should:

• Have made an exceptional, demonstrable contribution to scientific discovery, potentially overcoming significant personal or professional challenges.
• Exhibit the potential for developing and leading an independent research group.
• Inspire the next generation of scientists through outreach or support the retention of women in science careers.

Applicant Requirements:

• Must self-identify as women (inclusive of trans women, genderqueer, and non-binary individuals).
• Hold a PhD degree, medical degree (MD), or another type of doctorate by dissertation obtained within the last 10 years.
  • The 10-year period can be extended for maternity leave(s) or other relevant leaves of absence. These absences must be specified during the application process.
• Must hold a non-tenured position at the time of application.
• Applications are accepted from those working in STEM or with an interdisciplinary component.

📅 Application Date and Process

• Applications must be submitted through the online application form.
• Entries must be complete and submitted by 11:59 pm UTC 00:00 on 8th April 2026 to be eligible.

⏳ Application Deadline

08 April 2026

🌐 Application Portal

View details of the Springer Nature Inspiring Women in Science Awards on their official website.

Apply directly via the online application form.

• Two winners will be awarded US$50,000, and two runners up will receive US$5,000.
• Invitation to an award ceremony in London or New York, with accommodation and travel expenses covered.
• Coverage on nature.com, and mentoring opportunities through The Estée Lauder Companies.