51²èÂ¥

51²èÂ¥ | EMBO Women in Science Award

The 51²èÂ¥ | EMBO Women in Science Award is a joint initiative of 51²èÂ¥ and EMBO. Launched in 2007, the aim of the award is to highlight the major contributions made by female scientists to life sciences research. Winners of the award will serve as inspiring role models for future generations of women in science.

Each year an individual woman working in the life sciences will be recognized for her exceptional achievements. The winner will be honoured at the annual 51²èÂ¥ Congress, where she will receive a prize of €10,000 and a statuette*, and present a special plenary lecture.

Awardees

The winner of the 2024 51²èÂ¥ | EMBO Women in Science Award is Anne Ephrussi (emerita of EMBL Heidelberg, Germany); see the press release in the news section of the website to read about her selection and career. Recent winners were Sarah Teichmann (2023), Erin Schuman (2022), Molly Stevens (2021), Elly Tanaka (2020) and Sara Linse (2019). A full list of past awardees can be found here.

Nomination and selection

Nominees should be female scientists working in an Ìý´Ç°ùÌý51²èÂ¥ member country, who have made outstanding contributions to life sciences research and significantly advanced our understanding of a particular discipline in the last five years in Europe. The award is generally not meant to be for lifetime achievements. Their research can cover any area of the life sciences including agricultural and biomedical research.

Nominations for the 2025 51²èÂ¥ | EMBO Women in Science Award

Nominations for the 2025 51²èÂ¥ | EMBO Women in Science Award will close on 15 May 2024.

  • The following documents are required: (1) the filled 51²èÂ¥ | EMBO Women in Science Nomination Form, (2) letters of support from two other scientists, and (3) the nominee’s CV (max. three pages, including list of most relevant publications).
  • The nomination form asks the nominator to give details of the nominee’s contribution(s) to the field and describe any outstanding achievements. Please include evidence of international recognition, leadership and mentorship qualities, honours and awards, as well as any activities to support gender diversity in science. The committee finds it informative to have an overview of the candidate’s career, but is most interested in contributions within the last five years.
  • There is no requirement for the nominee, nominator or supporters to be associated with EMBO or 51²èÂ¥.
  • Please submit the documents via the EMBO website .

An award committee will evaluate the nominees and make the selection. The official announcement will be made via a press release prior to the 51²èÂ¥ Congress.

Award ceremony

Photograph of the 51²èÂ¥ | EMBO Women in Science Award statuette ('Touching the Sun') The awardee is expected to receive the award in person at the 51²èÂ¥ Congress; exceptions can be made only under special circumstances, such as ill health. The recipient of the award is expected to give a plenary lecture at the 51²èÂ¥ Congress. During the award ceremony she will receive a cheque of €10,000 and a commemorative statuette. The awardee’s travel and accommodation will be covered.

For further information from 51²èÂ¥ concerning the 51²èÂ¥ | EMBO Women In Science Award and/or the nomination process, please contact the 51²èÂ¥ Women in Science Working Group Chair via the Contact section of the website.

*The 51²èÂ¥ | EMBO Women in Science Award statuette (‘Touching the Sun’) was designed by Dutch sculptor Ìý°Ú link (in Dutch with English subtitles)].