Inspiring Women in Science

Applications are now open

The Inspiring Women in Science Awards 2023 are open for entries between the 30th January and 8th May 2023.

Learn more about what we’re looking for and how to apply.

Make this the year you get the recognition you deserve.

Aims & scope

The scope of the awards reflects two award categories, that describe the work they recognise - Science Outreach and Scientific Achievement.

The aim of the awards, in partnership with The Estée Lauder Companies, is to celebrate and support the achievements of  women in science, and of all those who work to encourage girls and young women to engage with STEM subjects and who work to support women to stay in STEM careers around the world. STEM includes natural sciences, technology, engineering, mathematics and medicine.

Key dates

• 30^th January 2023: Application window opens
• 8^th May 2023 11:59 pm UTC/GMT: Application window closes
• September 2023: Shortlist announced
• October 2023: Winner announced

Science Outreach Category

The Nature Awards for Inspiring Women in Science - Science Outreach Category, is presented for initiatives that support girls or young women to engage with, enjoy and study STEM subjects OR to increase the retention of women in STEM careers. STEM includes natural sciences, technology, engineering, mathematics and medicine. These initiatives can be run by an individual or academic, educational, charitable, governmental or corporate entity. In the case of corporate entities, the initiatives should form part of a corporate social responsibility programme and not be part of core commercial operations.

Eligibility criteria

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. 

We are looking for initiatives that have either:

• encouraged  girls or young women to engage with and study natural sciences, technology, engineering, mathematics and medicine OR
• increased retention of women in STEM careers, with a focus on providing tools to support women through their career progression in a STEM discipline. 

Entries will have shown exceptional vision,  insight and/or imagination and demonstrated that they encourage, support or promote the interest of girls and/or women in STEM. We also welcome applications that include an interdisciplinary component.

Evaluation criteria

Applications will be assessed by our expert judging panel consisting of editors from Nature Portfolio, independent experts and experts from our corporate partner, The Estée Lauder Companies. Each award category will have a separate judging panel. Panel members will review applications to create a shortlist of applicants for each award category. The full panel will then meet to discuss the merits of shortlisted applicants and select the winner. The judging panel will make up 100% of the votes. The chief judge will make the final decision in the event of a tie. 

Applications will be assessed against the following criteria: 

• Description of your initiative 
• Success of your initiative
• Future plans

Prizes

The winners of the Nature Awards for Inspiring Women in Science, Science Outreach category will receive:

• A prize of US$50,000
• An invitation to the award ceremony in London, with accommodation and travel expenses paid by the organiser. In the event that it is not possible or advisable to hold such a ceremony, an alternative virtual presentation or acknowledgement will be arranged.
• Coverage on nature.com 
• An invitation to present their work or initiative to the scientists at The Estée Lauder Companies 
• Mentoring through The Estée Lauder Companies 

The shortlisted applicants will: 

• Be profiled on the Nature Award website 
• Have access to an exclusive mentoring and networking community site 

Scientific Achievement Category

The Nature Awards for Inspiring Women in Science - Scientific Achievement Category, recognizes early-career women researchers. The successful applicant will have made an exceptional demonstrable contribution to scientific discovery, and may have faced significant challenges, personal or professional. The applicant will also 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.

Eligibility criteria

• Applicants must self-identify as women. We use an inclusive definition of ‘woman’ and ‘women’. We welcome trans women, genderqueer and non-binary people.
• Applicants must hold a PhD degree or a medical degree, or other type of doctorate by dissertation. A PhD or doctorate by dissertation is a globally recognized postgraduate academic degree awarded by a university or higher education institution to a person who has submitted a thesis or dissertation, based on extensive and original research in their chosen field. 
• Applicants must be within 10 years of completing their PhD degree or medical degree, or other type of doctorate by dissertation:
• Completion of their PhD (or medical degree) is defined as the date the PhD (or medical degree) or doctorate by dissertation was approved by the institutional panel following submission of their dissertation and/or oral examination. It is not the date of their graduation.
• The abovementioned 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.
• If applicants hold both a PhD and a medical degree, the graduation date of the most recently awarded will be used.
• Applicants must hold a non-tenured position. This includes those who have non-permanent postdoctoral and/or non-permanent tenure-track positions (or equivalents such as proleptic lecturer positions). Those in a tenured position (or equivalents, such as  permanent lecturer position) are not eligible to apply. 
• We accept applications from those working in natural sciences, technology, engineering, mathematics and medicine.  We also welcome applications that include an interdisciplinary component.

Evaluation criteria

• Applications will be assessed by our expert judging panel consisting of editors from Nature Portfolio, independent experts and experts from our corporate partner, The Estée Lauder Companies. Each award category will have a separate judging panel. Panel members will review applications to create a shortlist of applicants for each award category. The full panel will then meet to discuss the merits of the shortlisted applicants and select the winner. The judging panel will make up 100% of the votes. The chief judge will make the final decision in the event of a tie. 
• Applications will be scored with the focus on scientific achievements, but taking into account science outreach activities.

Prizes

The winner of the Nature Awards for Inspiring Women in Science, Scientific Achievement category will receive:

• A prize of US$50,000
• An invitation to the award ceremony in London, with travel and accommodation expenses paid by the Promoter. In the event that it is not possible or advisable to hold such a ceremony, an alternative virtual presentation or acknowledgement will be arranged.
• Coverage on nature.com.
• An invitation to present their work or initiative to the scientists at The Estée Lauder Companies 
• Mentoring through The Estée Lauder Companies

The shortlisted applicants will: 

• Be profiled on the Nature Award website 
• Have access to an exclusive mentoring and networking community site 

Science Outreach Category

For initiatives that support girls or young women to engage with, enjoy and study STEM subjects OR to increase the retention of women in STEM careers.

How to apply

Applications must be submitted through the online application form. The questions you will need to answer are listed below for reference. Entries must be complete (that is, all required fields are complete) and submitted by 12:00 midnight UTC/GMT on 8^th May 2023 to be eligible. 

Eligibility

• Declaration — self declaration that the applicant meets the eligibility criteria for the Nature Awards for Inspiring Women in Science 2023 as laid out in the award terms and conditions.
• I represent an initiative that has: encouraged  girls or young women to engage with and study STEM OR increased retention of women in STEM careers, with a focus on providing tools to support women through their career progression in a STEM discipline.
• Please select the area(s) of STEM that the initiative covers: natural sciences, technology, engineering, mathematics and medicine
• The initiative is run by [please select the category]: an individual, academic entity, educational entity, charitable entity, governmental entity or corporate entity, other [please describe]
• If corporate, I confirm: initiative is part of a corporate social responsibility programme and not part of core commercial operations
• The initiative is focused primarily on girls/women and benefits greater than 50% girls/women
• The applicant is resident in any country, other than those prescribed in the terms and conditions.
• The applicant (or members of their immediate families) are not a director or employee of the Springer Nature; any holding company or subsidiary of Springer Nature; or the judging panel.

Applicant and initiative details

• Full name of the individual or academic, educational, charitable, governmental or corporate entity responsible.
• Name of the initiative
• Address of the initiative  - including city, country and postal/ZIP code
• Name of contact spokesperson
• Job title of contact spokesperson
• Email of contact spokesperson
• Phone number (including country code) of contact spokesperson
• Please define the exact involvement of the spokesperson in the described initiative
• Organizer
• Participant
• Started the initiative
• Other

Description of initiative

This section is to inform the later questions and is not scored.

• Please provide a 50 word summary of what your initiative does - pitch the initiative to us in a concise and informative way (maximum 50 words).
• Provide links to your website and/or social media accounts.
• What % proportion of your target group consists of girls or women?  If less than 100%, please explain how the initiative is focused primarily on girls/women.
• For how many years has your initiative been running?
• Specify the exact countries in which your initiative has an impact and briefly describe how the initiative operates in each country (maximum 300 words).

This section is scored.

• Why did you start the initiative? (maximum 200 words)
• Please describe your mission statement and goals? (maximum 200 words)
• How often do you organize activities:
• Daily
• Once a week
• Once a month
• Once a year
• Other
• Please select the method(s) used to deliver your initiative’s activities:
• Social media
• Blog posts
• Website
• One-on-one contacts (in person, email or phone)
• Lecture
• Workshop, science fair
• Networking event
• Other [provide details]
• Describe how the method(s) selected are used for running the initiative. If you operate in different countries, please describe how the method varies in each country. (maximum 200 words).
• What methods do you use to measure the success of your initiative? (Maximum 150 words)
• Please list 6 examples of the results of these methods - 3 using quantitative (numerical) data and 3 using qualitative data (such as anecdotal evidence, quotes, comments or testimonials, social media). (maximum 100 words per example).
• How many girls/women have you reached to date, since you started your initiative? Please list a number.
• Please state how many additional girls/women you plan to reach in next 12 months? Please list a number.
• Please describe your existing plans for the next 12-24 months of your initiative, showing how you will increase the reach or improve the impact of the initiative. (maximum 500 words).
• Please breakdown a simple budget (showing $ spend per item) of how would you use the additional $50,000 to further improve and scale up the initiative. (maximum 300 words)
• Describe how your initiative would benefit from the prestige of winning this award? (maximum 200 words)
• Additionally we invite you to describe the particular challenges, professional or personal, that your initiative has faced during the course of your science outreach  (maximum 500 words).  *This question will not be scored but will be used to provide context should your application proceed to the judges’ panel discussion.

Shortlist Profile

If your application is shortlisted, the responses to the following points will constitute your profile on the shortlist page of the awards website.  This section is not judged:

• In simple terms, introduce the project and your organization, department or group and tell us a little about what it does  (maximum 150 words).
• What are some of the challenges that the project or organization has  faced whilst working on engaging girls and young women with STEM or supporting women to stay in STEM and what lessons have you learnt (maximum 150 words)?
• What advice would you give to someone wanting to do STEM outreach (maximum 150 words)?
• Please include a short statement  about why it is important to encourage more girls to be interested in/engage with STEM subjects, or to support more women to stay in STEM. (maximum 200 words).
• Please provide an organization logo (organisations) or photo (personal applicants), in high-resolution 150 x 150 pixel JPEG format.

NB: Parts of the above will be used on the website, mentoring site  and across promotional materials.

I confirm that I hold the permissions for this logo/photograph.

Terms and conditions for applicants

By applying, applicants agree to the terms and conditions of the award programme.

Key dates

Applications: applications are invited between 30^th January 2023 and 12:00 midnight UTC/GMT on 8^th May 2023.

Shortlist: the shortlist will be announced in September 2023.

Winner: the winner will be invited to the award ceremony, which will take place in London in October 2023, if circumstances permit.

Contact

Please contact us at awards@nature.com if you require any further information.

Scientific Achievement Category

For early-career women researchers.

How to apply

Applications must be submitted through the online application form. The questions you will need to answer are listed below for reference. Entries must be complete (that is, all required fields are completed) and submitted by 12:00 midnight UTC/GMT on 8th May 2023 to be eligible.

Eligibility

• Declaration — self declaration that the applicant meets the eligibility criteria for the Nature Awards for Inspiring Women in Science 2023 as laid out in the award terms and conditions.
• I self-identify as a woman (please note that we use an inclusive definition of ‘woman’ and ‘women’. We welcome trans women, genderqueer and non-binary people.).
• I hold a  PhD degree or a medical degree, or other type of doctorate by dissertation
• I obtained my PhD or medical degree or other type of doctorate by dissertation after 31st December 2013, which can be  extended backwards by the duration of any maternity leave(s) or other absences during this period.
• At the time of application, I am in a non-tenured research position.
• At the time of application, I am working in natural sciences, technology, engineering, mathematics or medicine.
• Date PhD* and/or medical degree** degree received.  *PhD degree or other type of doctorate by dissertation.  ** If you hold both a PhD and medical  degree, please list the graduation date of the most recently received
• Extended leaves of absence, if any: exact dates + duration.  After receipt of PhD or medical degree
• Please provide a letter from your HR department or department head confirming that you are in a non-tenured position.
• Please provide a copy of your degree certificate that attests the date your degree was awarded.
• The applicant is resident in any country, other than those prescribed in the terms and conditions.
• The applicant (or members of their immediate families) are not a directors or employee of the Springer Nature; any holding company or subsidiary of Springer Nature; or the judging panel

Applicant details

• Full name
• Job title
• Email address
• Phone number (including country code)
• Applicant address - including city, country and postal/ZIP code
• Main affiliation
• Address of the main affiliation  - including city, country and postal/ZIP code
• Second affiliation (if applicable)
• Address of the second affiliation  - including city, country and postal/ZIP code (if applicable)
• PhD or medical degree or other type of doctorate by dissertation (discipline + university + graduation year)
• Address of the awarding institution  - including city, country and postal/ZIP code
• Postgraduate experience
• ORCID ID
• Please provide a 50 word summary of your research - pitch your research to us in a concise and informative way (maximum 50 words).

Scientific achievements

• What is your main research area:
• Natural sciences
• Technology
• Engineering
• Mathematics
• Medicine
• Summarise your main research interests or projects, explaining in particular how you have approached the scientific questions you are tackling (maximum 400 words).
• Describe how your research has advanced your research field (maximum 500 words).
• Explain how your research has had an impact beyond your research field, for example, societal impact, impact on other research fields etc. (maximum 500 words).
• Provide up to 5 of your most scientifically important  publications (articles, books and book chapters) and explain (maximum 200 words each) why you selected them.
• Provide up to 5 key highlights of your research career excluding publications (for example, posters or talks at conferences, successful grant applications, scientific prizes, contribution to policy documents, patents or other technological innovations etc.) and explain (maximum 200 words each) why you selected them.
• Briefly explain your research plans for the near future and your long term vision and explain how the prize would help you to accomplish your vision and increase the impact of your research (maximum 600 words).  *We will aim to contact winners to get updates on their careers.
• Describe any research collaborations in which you are involved. (maximum 200 words)
• If your work has been cited and built upon by other researchers, provide details. (maximum 200 words)
• Summarise your achievements in other, more qualitative academic or career activities, for example: additional teaching activities, course design, contributions to university or institution policies, university management, student recruitment, mentoring, training, peer review, academic editing (maximum 500 words).
• Additionally we invite you to describe particular challenges, professional or personal, that you have faced during the course of your studies and scientific career (maximum 500 words).  * This question will not be scored but will be used to provide context should your application proceed to the judges’ panel discussion.

How have you inspired the next generation of STEM researchers?

• Describe how you have led or been directly involved in any general science outreach activities beyond your core duties?  (maximum 200 words).
• Please complete the following information about your most impactful outreach activity:
• Provide a brief description and a short explanation why you selected to highlight this activity for the award (maximum 300 words).
• Who was the target audience of this activity (maximum 20 words)?

Shortlist profile

If your application is shortlisted, the responses to the following points will constitute your shortlist profile. This section is not judged:

• In simple terms, please introduce yourself, your field of research and your job role (150 words).
• What challenges did you face on your journey to where you are now and how did you manage them (150 words)?
• What is one piece of advice or encouragement you would give other girls or women starting out on their science career? What was the best advice given to you (150 words)?
• Please describe anyone that has mentored or inspired you (150 words)?
• Please provide a black-and-white headshot photograph in high-resolution 150 x 150 pixel JPEG format.

NB: Parts of the above will be used on the website, mentoring site  and across promotional materials.

I confirm that I hold the permissions for this logo/ photograph.

Terms and conditions for applicants

By applying, applicants agree to the terms and conditions of the award programme.

Key dates

Applications: applications are invited between 30^th January 2023 and 12:00 midnight UTC/GMT on 8^th May 2023.

Shortlist: the shortlist will be announced in September 2023.

Winner: the winner will be invited to the award ceremony, which will take place in London in October 2023, if circumstances permit.

Contact

Please contact us at awards@nature.com if you require any further information.

The judging panels for both categories will be responsible for shortlisting applicants and picking the winner for each category. The judging panels consist of staff from Nature Portfolio, academic scientists, external experts working in organizations supporting access to science for women and our corporate partner, The Estée Lauder Companies. Each judging panel will be independent with a chief judge for each award category who will coordinate the judging process.

General

Q: Who can I contact for more information? 

Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you require any further information.

Q: When can I apply? 

Now! The 2023 submission window is 30th January to 8th May 2023.

You can apply here: https://natureawards.submittable.com/submit

Q: When will I know if I have been shortlisted? 

All shortlisted applicants will be contacted by September 2023.

 Q. Will I receive updates on my application?

Unfortunately, we cannot provide individual feedback on applications. 

Q. Can I enter both of the award categories?

The Scientific Achievement and Scientific Outreach categories are separate, you may submit a single application to both categories if you are eligible. An applicant cannot appear on 2 or more shortlists in one calendar year. 

Q: How will you ensure all subjects are represented? 

We will work to ensure the judging panel has representatives from a broad range of STEM subjects. STEM includes natural sciences, technology, engineering, mathematics and medicine. 

Q: Do applicants need to be nominated?

No. Applicants for each award need to submit their own applications.

However, you can recommend an applicant here. They will be sent an email once they have been recommended directing them to apply.

Q. If an applicant was among the shortlist last year, are they eligible to apply for the award again?
Previous applicants are more than welcome to re-apply.

Q. How do you define tenure?

A tenured (or equivalent permanent) post is an indefinite academic appointment that can be terminated only for cause or under extraordinary circumstances.

Applicants must hold a non-tenured position. This includes those who have non-permanent postdoctoral and/or non-permanent tenure-track positions (or equivalents such as proleptic lecturer positions). Those in a tenured position (or equivalents, such as permanent lecturer position) are not eligible to apply.

Scientific Achievement Category

Q: Who is eligible for the Scientific Achievement Category? 

Eligibility criteria are:

Applicants must self-identify as women. We use an inclusive definition of ‘woman’ and ‘women’. We welcome trans women, genderqueer and non-binary people.

Applicants must hold a PhD degree or a medical degree, or other type of doctorate by dissertation. A PhD or doctorate by dissertation is a globally recognized postgraduate academic degree awarded by a university or higher education institution to a person who has submitted a thesis or dissertation, based on extensive and original research in their chosen field. 

Applicants must be within 10 years of completing their PhD degree or medical degree, or other type of doctorate by dissertation:

• Completion of their PhD (or medical degree) is defined as the date the PhD (or medical degree) or doctorate by dissertation was approved by the institutional panel following submission of their dissertation and/or oral examination. It is not the date of their graduation.
• The abovementioned 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.
• If applicants hold both a PhD and a medical degree, the graduation date of the most recently awarded will be used.

Applicants must hold a non-tenured position. This includes those who have non-permanent postdoctoral and/or non-permanent tenure-track positions (or equivalents such as proleptic lecturer positions). Those in a tenured position (or equivalents, such as  permanent lecturer position) are not eligible to apply. 

We accept applications from those working in natural sciences, technology, engineering, mathematics and medicine.

Q: When do I need to have obtained my PhD degree or a medical degree, or other type of doctorate by dissertation

You should have obtained your PhD degree or a medical degree, or other type of doctorate by dissertation within the last 10 years (e.g. after 31st December 2013),  provided that all other eligibility criteria are met.  This period will be extended in case of maternity leaves or other leaves of absences taken during the 10-year period.

Science Outreach Category

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. 

We are looking for initiatives that have either:

• encouraged girls or young women to engage with and study natural sciences, technology, engineering, mathematics and medicine OR
• increased retention of women in STEM careers, with a focus on providing tools to support women through their career progression in a STEM discipline.

Entries will have shown exceptional vision, insight and/or imagination and demonstrated that they encourage, support or promote the interest of girls and/or women in STEM.

About The Estée Lauder Companies Inc.

The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. is one of the world’s leading manufacturers and marketers of quality skin care, makeup, fragrance and hair care products. The company’s products are sold in approximately 150 countries and territories under brand names including: Estée Lauder, Aramis, Clinique, Lab Series, Origins, M·A·C, La Mer, Bobbi Brown, Aveda, Jo Malone London, Bumble and bumble, Darphin Paris, TOM FORD BEAUTY, Smashbox, AERIN Beauty, Le Labo, Editions de Parfums Frédéric Malle, GLAMGLOW, KILIAN PARIS, Too Faced, Dr.Jart+, and the DECIEM family of brands, including The Ordinary and NIOD. For more information, visit here.

Terms and Conditions

Please read these terms and conditions carefully. By entering into the Nature Awards Inspiring Women in Science Competition (the “Awards”) you agree that you have read and agree to these terms and conditions (the “Terms”). The Terms include the prize details and all instructions on how to participate or take part in the Awards. Failure to comply with the Terms may result in disqualification from participation in the Awards.

1. Parties

1. The Awards are run by Springer Nature Limited, a company registered in England and Wales, registered number 00785998 and registered office at The Campus, 4 Crinan Street, London N1 9XW, under their brand name Nature Awards, in collaboration with The Estée Lauder Companies Inc., a company incorporated in New York, USA (together, the “Promoter”).

2. Eligibility

1. To be eligible to enter the Scientific Achievement Category of Awards, the applicant must at the point of application:
     i. be an early career academic woman* (no more than 10 years since the completion of their PhD at the end of the year the Award will be granted 31st December 2023; this period will be  extended in case of parental leave or other approved leaves of absences taken during this 10 years period with the duration of the leave taken. Applicants not yet in a tenured position are eligible (which includes those with individual funding and those in post-doc positions and tenure-track positions are eligible, but not those in tenured positions);
     ii. hold an MD and/or PhD degree, or other type of doctorate by dissertation. A PhD or doctorate by dissertation is a globally recognized postgraduate academic degree awarded by a university or higher education institutions to an applicant who has submitted a thesis or dissertation, based on extensive and original research in their chosen field;
     iii. be within 10 years of completing their MD or PhD or other type of doctorate by dissertation (Completion of their PhD (or MD or or other type of doctorate by dissertation) is defined as the date the PhD (or MD ) or doctorate by dissertation was approved by the university panel following submission of the applicant’s dissertation and/or oral examination is considered the date their MD/PhD was received, independent on whether or not this coincides with their graduation) (The above mentioned 10 years will be extended by any maternity leave(s) or other approved leaves of absence. The 10 years does not need to be continuous. Details of these leaves will need to be specified during the application process). If applicants hold both a PhD and an MD degree, the graduation date of the latest received will be used;     
     iv. hold a non-tenured position. This includes those who have non-permanent postdoctoral and/or non-permanent tenure-track positions (or equivalents such as proleptic lecturer positions). Those in a tenured position (or equivalents, such as a permanent lecturer position) are not eligible to apply;
     v. be working in natural sciences, technology, engineering, mathematics, and/or medicine (“STEM”);
     vi. be resident in a country where it is lawful for you to apply, nor be subject to any other exclusions listed in these Terms.
   *We use an inclusive definition of ‘woman’ and ‘women’. We welcome trans women, genderqueer and non-binary people.
2. To be eligible to enter the Science Outreach Category of the Awards, the applications must adhere to the following:
   i. submitted from organizations, departments, individuals (of any gender) or project teams, which are running initiatives which either show:
   1. an exceptional contribution to the promotion and engagement of girls and young women in any area of natural sciences, technology, mathematics, engineering or medicine (together, “STEM”) and exhibit the potential for developing and encouraging more girls and young women to study STEM subjects OR
      2. make a significant and innovative contribution to retaining women in STEM careers.
     ii. Names of all relevant applicants and the parent organization need to be listed and a contact spokesperson will need to be selected who will be responsible for completing the application form, will be the main point of contact and who will receive the prize on behalf of the group, if selected. Note: there are no gender-related requirements of applicants for this category
3. The Promoter reserves the right to verify the eligibility of applicants.
4. There is no restriction on the number of awards that an applicant can apply for, but an applicant cannot be selected to more than one award shortlist by the Promoter in the same calendar year.

3. Criteria for applications in the Scientific Achievement category

1. As part of their application, applicants will be required to provide:
     ii. in relation to their scientific achievements:
      1. Summarise your main research interests or projects, explaining in particular how you have approached the scientific questions you are tackling (maximum 400 words).
      2. Describe how your research has advanced your research field (maximum 500 words).
      3. Explain how your research has had an impact beyond your research field, for example, societal impact, impact on other research fields etc. (maximum 500 words).
      4. Provide up to 5 of your most scientifically important  publications (articles, books and book chapters) and explain (maximum 200 words each) why you selected them.
      5. Provide up to 5 key highlights of your research career excluding publications (for example, posters or talks at conferences, successful grant applications, scientific prizes, contribution to policy documents, patents or other technological innovations etc.) and explain (maximum 200 words each) why you selected them.
      6. Briefly explain your research plans for the near future and your long term vision and explain how the prize would help you to accomplish your vision and increase the impact of your research (maximum 600 words).*We will aim to contact winners to get updates on their careers.
      7. Describe any research collaborations in which you are involved. (maximum 200 words)
      8. If your work has been cited and built upon by other researchers, provide details. (maximum 200 words)
      9. Summarise your achievements in other, more qualitative academic or career activities, for example: additional teaching activities, course design, contributions to university or institution policies, university management, student recruitment, mentoring, training, peer review, academic editing (maximum 500 words).
      10. Additionally we invite you to describe particular challenges, professional or personal, that you have faced during the course of your studies and scientific career (maximum 500 words). * This question will not be scored but will be used to provide context should your application proceed to the judges’ panel discussion.
     ii. in relation to their general science outreach activity (“Initiative”):
      1. Describe how you have led or been directly involved in any general science outreach activities beyond your core duties?  (maximum 200 words).
      2. Please complete the following information about your most impactful outreach activity.
       a. Provide a brief description and a short explanation why you selected to highlight this activity for the award (maximum 300 words).
       b. Who was the target audience of this activity (maximum 20 words)?
     iii. Applicants will also need to provide personal/organization details and a shortlist profile. Full details are available in the guidelines for applicants accessible at the following URL: https://www.nature.com/collections/jcpghfmqlz/applynow
2. All applicants in the Scientific Achievement Category must apply via the application form https://www.nature.com/collections/jcpghfmqlz/applynow
3. Entries must be complete and submitted online with all relevant supporting materials. Entries can be submitted between 30th January 2023 and 8th May 2023 12:00pm noon UTC 00:00.

4. Criteria for applications in the Science Outreach Category

1. Criteria for application in the Science Outreach Category: As part of the application, the applicant will be required to provide:
   This section is to inform the later questions and is not scored
     i. Please provide a 50 word summary of what your initiative does - pitch the initiative to us in a concise and informative way (maximum 50 words)
     ii. Provide links to your website and/or social media accounts.
     iii. What % proportion of your target group consists of girls or women?
      1. If less than 100%, please explain how the initiative is focused primarily on girls/women
     iv. For how many years has your initiative been running?
     v. Specify the exact countries in which your initiative has an impact and briefly describe how the initiative operates in each country (maximum 300 words).
   This section is scored
     vi. Why did you start the initiative? (maximum 200 words)
     vii. Please describe your mission statement and goals? (maximum 200 words)
     viii. How often do you organize activities?
      1. Daily
      2. Once a week
      3. Once a month
      4. Once a year
      5. Other
     ix. Please select the method(s) used to deliver your initiative’s activities.
      1. Social media
      2. Blog posts
      3. Website
      4. One-on-one contacts (in person, email or phone)
      5. Lecture
      6. Workshop, science fair
      7. Networking event
      8. Other [provide details]
     x. Describe how the method(s) selected are used for running the initiative. If you operate in different countries, please describe how the method varies in each country. (maximum 200 words)
     xi. What methods do you use to measure the success of your initiative? (Maximum 150 words)
     xii. Please list 6 examples of the results of these methods - 3 using quantitative (numerical) data and 3 using qualitative data (such as anecdotal evidence, quotes, comments or testimonials, social media). (maximum 100 words per example).
     xiii. How many girls/women have you reached to date, since you started your initiative? Please list a number.
     xiv. Please state how many additional girls/women you plan to reach in next 12 months? Please list a number.
     xv. Please describe your existing plans for the next 12-24 months of your initiative, showing how you will increase the reach or improve the impact of the initiative. (maximum 500 words).
     xvi. Please breakdown a simple budget (showing $ spend per item) of how you would use the additional $50,000 to further improve and scale up the initiative. (maximum 300 words)
     xvii. Additionally we invite you to describe the particular challenges, professional or personal, that your initiative has faced during the course of your science outreach (maximum 500 words).  *This question will not be scored but will be used to provide context should your application proceed to the judges’ panel discussion.
2. Full details are available in the guidelines for applicants accessible at the following URL: https://www.nature.com/collections/jcpghfmqlz/applynow
3. All applicants in the Science Outreach Category must apply via the application form which is available at the following URL:    https://www.nature.com/collections/jcpghfmqlz/applynow
4. Entries must be complete and submitted online with all relevant supporting materials. Entries can be submitted between 30th January 2023 and 8th May 2023 12:00pm noon UTC 00:00.

5. Exclusions

1. Please note that the Awards are not open at any stage to:
     i. persons resident in countries or territories where local, state, provincial or national laws prohibit the promotion of, operation of or participation in such awards or receiving prizes pursuant to the Inspiring Women in Science Award or
     ii. persons resident in Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Sudan, Syria, Burma/Myanmar, the Crimea region of Ukraine or other sanction-sensitive countries or regions as updated from time to time;
     iii. any individual named on Specially Designated Nationals lists as updated from time to time;
     iv. directors or employees (or members of their immediate families) of the Promoter      or any affiliate of the Promoter;
     v. any current members of the judging panel or ambassadors (or members of their immediate families);
     vi. In the Scientific Achievement category only - an early career academic biologically born male; identifies as a man; or
   previous winners of the same award category.
2. Applications received after the deadline will not be accepted.
3. Complete applications must be in English and include all sections requested by the Promoter.
4. Incomplete applications may be declared ineligible, and applicants may not be given the opportunity to re-submit or alter their application.

6. Judges, Shortlist Process and Winners

1. Judges will select a shortlist of applicants, and subsequently one winner per category based on the applicants’ scientific achievements and outreach activity as set out in the application form. Sub-criteria for judging to be defined by the judging panel as required during the shortlisting stage.
2. The shortlisted applicants will be notified on or before 4th September 2023 and announced during September 2023. The final number of shortlisted applicants is decided at the discretion of the Promoter. The Promoter reserves the right to reduce the number of shortlisted applicants in the event that there are insufficient entries or that the entries are not suitable or of an unsatisfactory standard.
3. The winner will be notified on or before 3rd October 2023 and announced during October 2023. The winner will be required to confirm acceptance of the Awards  and the Prize within 14 calendar days and may be required to complete and return an eligibility form. If the winner does not accept the Awards within 14 days of being notified, they will forfeit the Awards and the Prize and the Promoter reserves the right to choose another winner. The judges’ decision is final and the Promoter reserves the right not to correspond on any matter.
4. The judging panel will make up 100% of the votes. The judging panel will choose a winner from the shortlisted applicants.  The judging panel will consist of a Chief Judge and individuals including staff from Springer Nature, independent judges and judges from The Estée Lauder Companies. Full names of the judging panel are available at the following URL: https://www.nature.com/collections/jcpghfmqlz/judges. In the event of a tie, the Chief Judge will make the final decision. Any decision will be final and binding and no further communication will be entered into in relation to it.
5. Nature Awards actively encourages submissions from countries in the United Nations Development Programme’s (UNDP) Country Classification System.  Note that a number of weighting points will be added to such submissions, based on the country of origin’s position in the classification.  Fundamental excellence and achievement remain the overriding consideration of the judges but the weighting points will be used to ensure that these are viewed in the context of the entrant’s access to opportunity and resources.

7. Prize

1. The prizes (“Prize”) for the Awards consist of the following:
     i. two prizes (one for each category) in the sum of US$50,000 to be used for initiatives linked to the Awards (this includes but is not limited to the costs of consumables, materials, supplies, software and small, non-capital equipment associated with the Initiative; costs associated with communications and outreach around the Initiative, and travel and subsistence of the winner associated with executing or disseminating your Initiative, and publication costs);
     ii. coverage within nature.com (the format and amount to be determined in the sole discretion of Springer Nature);
     iii. an invitation to attend the Awards ceremony during October 2023 in a location to be confirmed by the Promoter (“Award Ceremony”), including:
      1. reasonable transport from the winner’s nearest international airport to the Award Ceremony (for example, an economy class international flight);
      2. two nights’ accommodation at a suitable three star local hotel, breakfast included;
      3. two airport transfers to the hotel; and
      4. reasonable expenses in the form of a £50 per diem.
       a. Note that in the event that it is not possible or not advisable to hold such an award ceremony in October 2023, an alternative means of making the award presentation will be decided, at the discretion of the Promoter.
     iv. **an invitation to give a talk at The Estée Lauder Companies, including:
      1. reasonable transport from the winner’s nearest international airport to The Estée Lauder offices in Melville, NY office;
      2. one night’s hotel accommodation at a suitable local hotel, breakfast not included;
      3. two airport transfers to the hotel; and
      4. reasonable expenses in the form of a $135 per diem.
     v. voluntary mentoring at The Estée Lauder Companies; and
     vi. The Promoter will provide an online networking platform for the shortlisted applicants and the winners.
2. For the invitations to the Award Ceremony and/or the talk  at The Estée Lauder Companies outlined in clause 7, the following statements apply:
     i. carrier’s terms of carriage apply;
     ii. winners are solely responsible for obtaining their own visas, vaccines and travel insurance;
     iii. if the Award winner cannot attend either or both events for any reason then there is no cash equivalent for the flights, hotel, per diem and transfers;
     iv. if the winner cannot attend the Award Ceremony for any reason, the Award will be delivered to the winning applicant; and
     v. local transfers to the nearest international airport are not included unless the winner is from a Springer Nature ResearchforLife country.
3. The winner must confirm that the Awards Prizes will be used for initiatives linked to the Awards. Failure to do so could result in the prize being revoked and the proceeds (or any remaining amount) in turn being donated to supported organizations (www.springernature.com/responsiblebusiness).
4. The Awards and the Prize are non-transferable and non-negotiable.
5. The winning applicant will be required to formally accept the Award and the Prize via email within 14 calendar days, and may be required to provide confirmation of eligibility. If a winner does not accept the Award and the Prize within 14 calendar days of being notified, they may forfeit the Award and the Prize and Promoter reserves the right to choose another winner.
6. The judges’ decision is final and the Promoter reserves the right not to correspond on any matter.
7. Any government officials who enter the Promotion are responsible for ensuring that they may enter and/or receive a prize if they win, and that the prize does not exceed the relevant limit for their role and jurisdiction. If a winner is not able to accept the prize, then in the absolute discretion of the Promoter, a charity donation may be made instead to a Promoter-approved charity.
8. The winners will be required to provide their bank details, and the prize will be paid into the winner’s account by 31st December 2023. The winners are fully responsible for any tax that may be liable on the award.

8. Privacy and Publicity

1. All personal data regarding applicants is subject to and will be treated in a manner consistent with Springer Nature’s Privacy Policy, accessible at www.nature.com/info/privacy.html.
2. By participating in the Awards, your personal data will be used as part of, and to communicate with you about, the Springer Nature Awards programme. You can remove your details by emailing awards@nature.com.
3. Applicants agree that Promoter may collect and use their personal information, which shall be shared with the judging panel which includes members outside of the Promoter’s staff, and stored until 31st December 2025, or for a further period of 2 years for the winner and shortlisted applicants.
4. By participating in the Awards, applicants acknowledge that they have read and accepted the Promoter’s Privacy Policy which shall be deemed to be applicable to the Awards application.
5. The application form used for the Awards is hosted by Submittable. By participating in the Award, applicants give their consent to, such use, processing, and transfer as required by all applicable data protection laws and have sole responsibility for the accuracy, quality and legality of personal data processed by Submittable in the provision of the services they provide to the Promoter for the application process. The Submittable Privacy Policy is available at: https://www.submittable.com/privacy/.
6. The shortlisted applicants and winners must participate in webcasts, interviews and contribute content after the award results have been announced, at the reasonable request of the Promoter.
7. All shortlisted applicants must answer profile questions and provide a headshot photograph (JPEG, 150x150 pixels) to the Promoter as part of their application. The profile and questions will be used by the Promoter on the Award’s website. The name, region of residence, profile and likeness of the winner and shortlisted applicants may be used by the Promoter for Award and event publicity in any form including on the Promoter’s website and social media pages, and those of the Sponsor, at no cost to the Promoter or Sponsor.
   Each shortlisted applicant shall keep the status and the listing for the Award completely confidential until after the public announcement of the shortlist by the Promoter. The winner agrees to keep the results of the Award completely confidential until after the public announcement of the winner by the Promoter.

9. Miscellaneous

1. No purchase is necessary to apply for the Awards and would not increase your chances of winning.
2. The Promoter accepts no responsibility for any entries that are incomplete, illegible, corrupted or fail to reach the Promoter by the closing date for any reason. Proof of posting or sending is not proof of receipt. Entries via agents or third parties are invalid. No other form of entry is permitted. Please keep a copy of your entry as we will be unable to return entries or provide copies.
3. The Promoter may, in its sole discretion, disqualify any applicant or winner found to be tampering or interfering with the entry process or operation of the Awards website, or to be acting in any manner deemed to be disruptive of or prejudicial to the operation or administration of the Awards or otherwise in a manner not in keeping with the Promotor’s standards around ethics and research integrity.
4. The Promoter reserves the right to withdraw the Awards and/or Prize from any winner or shortlisted applicant in the event that the Promoter reasonably suspects: any error in the applicant’s application form; any problem with the research programme to which the application relates; or that the applicant has acted in a manner inconsistent with the Promoter standards around ethics and research integrity.
5. The Promoter may, in its sole discretion, withdraw the Awards and/or Prize from any winner or shortlisted applicant in the event that the winner or shortlisted applicant behaves in such a way as to bring the name or reputation of the Promoter or the Awards into disrepute.
6. Other than for death or personal injury arising from negligence of the Promoter, so far as is permitted by law, the Promoter hereby excludes all liability for any loss, damage, cost and expense, whether direct or indirect, howsoever caused in connection with the Awards or any aspect of the Prize. All activities are undertaken at the applicant’s own risk.
7. The Promoter reserves the right to cancel or amend these Terms and Conditions or change the Prize (to one of equal or greater value) in its discretion. No cash equivalent to the Prize is available.
8. These terms and conditions shall be governed by and construed in accordance with English law. Disputes arising in connection with this Agreement shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the English courts.

Last updated: 30th January 2023