One in two female scientists say they have experienced sexual harassment at work. Today, November 25th, marks the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, highlighting the critical challenges we still have to overcome.
Here is some data:
1/3 woman in the EU experienced gender-based violence.
80% of disabled women are victims of violence.
75% of Islamophobic attacks target women.
85% of transgender people are assaulted in their lifetime.
Let's unite to end violence against women and underrepresented groups womenandgirlsinphysics hashtagdiversityandinclusioninSTEM hashtagendviolenceagainstwomen hashtag25november hashtagnoexcuse hashtagunite
hashtag(data from Eurostat, Ipsos, UN Women, NousToutes)
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Quantum
grants and fellowships_new
Funding and prizes for Women in Physics
With the following overview we want to collect prizes, fellowships, and funding opportunities for women in Physics. Browse through opportunities organized by different criteria.
Do you happen to know of any other prizes, grants and fellowships we should add? Please reach out to us via
Women in Physics Lecturer
AustraliaAustralian Institute of Physics (AIP)
Field: Physics (all specializations)
Target: Women physicists with a significant research contribution & strong public-communication skills;
Amount: Federal Medal + certificate + funded national lecture tour (Marie Curie Lectures)
Berta Karlik Fellowship
AustriaAustrian Academy of Sciences
Field: STEM fields
Target: Leading female researchers (10+ years)
Amount: €5,000/month
Beyond [her] Lab
AustriaStartup Tirol
Field: All academic fields
Target: Female researchers and students with business ideas
Amount: Two-day bootcamp
FemCareer Fellowship
AustriaUniversity of Innsbruck
Field: Various (including Physics)
Target: Female early-career postdocs or PhD graduates
Amount: 36-month postdoc position
FWF ASTRA Award
AustriaAustrian Science Fund (FWF)
Field: All academic fields
Target: Internationally visible researchers
Amount: €500,000–€1 million
grants.at database
AustriaOeAD (Austrian Agency for Education and Internationalisation)
Field: All academic fields
Target: Students, graduates, and researchers
Description: Comprehensive database of scholarships and grants in Austria
L'ORÉAL Fellowships for Women in Science
AustriaL'Oréal Austria
Field: Medicine, Natural Sciences, Mathematics
Target: Young female researchers
Amount: Up to €25,000
STE.fania Foundation
AustriaSTE.fania
Field: STEM fields
Target: Female school-leavers or students in STEM fields
Amount: €600–€1,000/month + mentorship
KIF Honorary Award
DenmarkDanish Physical Society
Field: Physics
Target: Minorities in physics (Danish citizens/residents)
Amount: Honorary award
Emmy Noether Distinction
EuropeEuropean Physical Society
Field: Physics
Target: Female research physicists, students, teachers
Amount: Distinction
Young Scientist Prize in AMO Physics
EuropeEuropean Physical Society
Field: Physics
Target: Young scientists
Amount: €1,500
Irène Joliot-Curie Prizes
FranceFrench Ministry of Research
Field: Science & Technology
Target: Female researchers
Amount: €15,000–€40,000
L'Oréal-UNESCO Prix Jeunes Talents France
FranceFondation L'Oréal + UNESCO + Académie des sciences
Field: All STEM fields (incl. Physics)
Target: PhD students & postdocs
Amount: €15,000 (PhD) / €20,000 (Postdoc)
Applications: 35 awards/year (established 2007)
Hertha Sponer Prize
GermanyGerman Physical Society
Field: Physics
Target: Female physicists
Amount: €3,000
Mildred Dresselhaus Guest Professorship
GermanyHamburg Centre for Ultrafast Imaging
Field: Physics
Target: Female researchers
Amount: €10,000–€20,000
Women in Quantum Optics Fellowship
GermanyMax-Planck Institute of Quantum Optics
Field: Quantum science
Target: Female postdocs
Amount: Fellowship
Beate Naroska Guest Professorships
GermanyCluster of Excellence Quantum Universe
Field: Physics (Quantum universe research)
Target: Female scientists
Amount: €5,000–€7,500
Women Scientist Scheme-A (WOS-A)
IndiaDepartment of Science & Technology (DST), Govt. of India
Field: Physical, Chemical, Life, Earth/Atmosphere/Environment, Engineering & Mathematical Sciences
Target: Women scientists/technologists (PhD, M.Phil/M.Tech/M.Pharm, or M.Sc/B.Tech/MBBS level) pursuing research in basic or applied sciences
Amount: Rs. 30,000–55,000/month (depending on qualification)
IAEA Marie Sklodowska-Curie Fellowship
InternationalInternational Atomic Energy Agency
Field: Nuclear-related fields
Target: Female master's students
Amount: Up to €40,000
Inspiring Women in Science (Outreach)
InternationalNature & Estée Lauder Companies
Field: STEM fields
Target: Organizations/teams encouraging women in STEM
Amount: $50,000
Inspiring Women in Science (Scientific Achievement)
InternationalNature & Estée Lauder Companies
Field: STEM fields
Target: Women with PhD (within last 10 years)
Amount: $50,000
Laura Bassi Scholarship
InternationalLaura Bassi Foundation
Field: All academic fields
Target: Postgraduates and junior academics
Amount: $500–$2,500
Marie Skłodowska-Curie Postdoctoral Fellowships
InternationalHorizon Europe
Field: All fields
Target: Researchers (PhD) seeking to carry out research abroad
Amount: Funding for research, training, networking
Optica Women Scholars
InternationalOptica Foundation
Field: Optics & Photonics
Amount: $10,000 + 1-year Optica Student Membership + mentorship
L'Oréal-UNESCO Young Talents Programs (National & Regional)
InternationalFondation L'Oréal + UNESCO
Field: All STEM fields (incl. Physics)
Target: Women PhD students & postdocs — 50 national/regional editions across 140+ countries; check if your country/region has its own program
Amount: Varies by country (~260 fellowships awarded annually worldwide)
L'Oréal-UNESCO International Award
InternationalL'Oréal-UNESCO International
Field: Alternates yearly: Life & Environmental Sciences / Physical Science, Mathematics & Computer Science (incl. Physics)
Target: Outstanding women scientists at all career stages; 5 laureates/year, one per continent
Amount: €100,000
ZEISS Women Award
InternationalZEISS
Field: Digital Research, Digital Entrepreneurship, Digital Social Impact
Target: Women in IT and digital industries
Amount: €5,000 per category
Early Career Scientist Prize in AMO Physics
InternationalInternational Union of Pure and Applied Physics
Field: AMO Physics
Target: Early career scientists
Amount: €1,000 and a medal
Laura Bassi prizes
ItalyItalian Physical Society
Field: Physics
Target: Female physicists (2 prizes: early career & mid-to-full career)
Amount: €2,000
Più donne nella Fisica fellowship
ItalyIstituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare
Field: Physics
Target: Female physics students (Master's programme)
Amount: €1,500
Saruhashi Prize
JapanAssociation for the Bright Future of Women Scientists
Field: Natural Sciences
Target: Japanese women researchers in natural sciences
Amount: ¥ 300,000
Applications: Every year
Fumiko Yonezawa Memorial Award
JapanPhysical Society of Japan (JPS)
Field: Physics
Target: Female members from the Japanese Physics Society
Amount: ¥200,000 total (conference fees + publication fee exemption for 3 years)
Applications: Annual
Premio Ada Byron a la Mujer Tecnóloga
MexicoUniversidad Iberoamericana / Universidad de Deusto (Chapter México)
Field: Technology, Engineering & related scientific fields
Target: Mexican women with a Bachelor's degree or professional trajectory in technology, engineering, or closely related fields
Amount: $120,000 MXN
NSSA Anne Mayes Prize
North AmericaNeutron Scattering Society of America
Field: Physics
Target: Women scientists in neutron scattering
Amount: $1,500 + $2,000 travel
Engineering UPF Research Award
SpainUniversitat Pompeu Fabra
Field: Information and Communication Technologies
Target: Female researchers in ICT
Amount: €3,000
Deadline: May 7, 2026
MARVEL Master's Fellowship
SwitzerlandNCCR MARVEL - INSPIRE Potentials
Field: STEM fields
Target: Women Master's students
Amount: CHF 12,000
NCCR SPIN Master's Fellowship
SwitzerlandINSPIRE Potentials
Field: STEM fields
Target: Excellent women Master's students
Amount: Up to 9 × CHF 1,200
Prix Zonta
SwitzerlandZonta Switzerland Liechtenstein
Field: All fields
Target: Outstanding female scientists
Amount: CHF 30,000
Swiss L'Oréal - UNESCO Award
SwitzerlandL'Oréal Switzerland
Field: STEM fields
Target: Postdoctoral female researchers in Switzerland
Amount: 4 × CHF 25,000
Bell Burnell Graduate Scholarship
UKBell Burnell Graduate Scholarship Fund
Field: Physics
Target: Graduates from underrepresented groups
Amount: Up to £38,000
Daphne Jackson Fellowship
UKUK Research and Innovation
Field: All subjects
Target: Researchers returning after career break (2+ years)
Amount: Depends on institution
Emergency Grant
UKUK Funds for Women Graduates (FfWG)
Field: All subjects
Target: Graduate women facing financial crisis
Amount: Up to £2,500
Foundation Grant
UKUK Funds for Women Graduates (FfWG)
Field: All subjects
Target: Women in final year of PhD/DPhil
Amount: Up to £6,500
Jocelyn Bell Burnell Medal and Prize
UKInstitute of Physics
Field: Physics
Target: Very early-career female physicists (degree completed less than 5 years ago)
Amount: £1,000
Rosalind Franklin Award
UKThe Royal Society
Field: All STEM fields
Target: early career scientists (PhD degree completed no longer than 20 years ago)
Amount: a medal, a grant of £40,000 and a gift of £1,000
M. Hildred Blewett Fellowship
USAAmerican Physical Society
Field: Physics
Target: Female researchers
Amount: Up to $45,000
Maria Goeppert Mayer Award
USAAmerican Physical Society
Field: Physics
Target: Young female researchers
Amount: $5,000 + travel
Scharff-Goldhaber Prize
USABrookhaven Women in Science
Field: Physics
Target: Female graduate students at Stony Brook/Brookhaven Lab
Amount: $4,000
Women in Physics Group Grants
USAAmerican Physical Society
Field: Physics
Target: Women in Physics Groups at universities
Amount: $1,000
Austrian of the year in the category science
Francesca Ferlaino, a prominent physicist in Innsbruck, Austria, focuses on uncovering quantum phenomena at temperatures approaching absolute zero. Originally from Naples, she arrived at the University of Innsbruck in 2006 as a guest scientist to study ultracold molecules and has since made Austria her home. She is currently serving as a professor and scientific director at the Austrian Academy of Sciences’ Institute for Quantum Optics and Quantum Information in Innsbruck.
At a recent gala where she received Austria’s “Person of the Year” award, Ferlaino reflected on how being recognized as an Italian felt meaningful and inspiring, especially for the international scientific community. Her research into unknown states of matter has led to significant findings, including observing “suprasolid” states, where atoms display properties of both liquids and solids simultaneously—a groundbreaking discovery in quantum physics.
To study quantum interactions, Ferlaino cools atoms to near absolute zero, allowing the observation of interactions without direct contact, particularly with highly magnetic erbium atoms. These atoms can exchange information across distances without touching, a phenomenon with potential to revolutionize data transmission.
When asked about her scientific role models, such as Erwin Schrödinger and Anton Zeilinger, Francesca Ferlaino humbly declined comparison. She noted also that, in her experience, scientific breakthroughs are collaborative efforts rather than individual genius. With few women in her field, she founded atom*innen.
Ferlaino champions fundamental research, advocating that advances in science often stem from basic discoveries rather than immediate applications. As highlighted by Henrietta Egerth-Stadlhuber, the Managing Director of the Austrian Research Promotion Agency FFG, foundational research may take decades to impact humanity but is crucial in the long term, serving the collective needs of society.
Associations
Of course, this list is not exhaustive. If we are not aware of an association, it would be great if you could let us know by reaching out to
26 of 26 associations shown
ArgentinaPhysics
Argentine Physical Society – Gender Committee
This Committee is based in Argentina and focuses on communication about gender issues, promoting women's visibility in physics, organizing events, and on collaborating with other scientific associations.
Learn more →
AustraliaQuantum
Quantum Women
Professional network for women in quantum technology
This network aims to raise visibility of women working in Quantum Technology and prepares women for leadership roles. In addition to in-person events, there are also virtual networking events.
Learn more →
AustraliaPhysics
Australian Institute for Physics – Diversity and Equity Group In Australian Physics
This working group aims to enhance Australia's capacity in physics by increasing engagement from under-represented groups. DEGAP promotes equity, advocates for individuals, and works to remove barriers to career advancement through cultural change and policy development.
Learn more →
AustriaPhysics
Austrian Physical Society OePG – Working Group for Equal Opportunities in Physics
The Working Group for Equal Opportunities in Physics (AKCP) is committed to promoting gender equality in physics. It aims to increase the visibility of women physicists, challenge stereotypes, and improve working conditions for women in both academia and industry.
Learn more →
BrazilPhysics
Brazilian Physical Society – Gender Issues Working Group
The Gender Issues Working Group of the Brazilian Society of Physics promotes gender equality in physics and astronomy in Brazil by promoting diversity in leadership, conducting research on underrepresentation, and organizing events to support and inspire young scientists.
Learn more →
CanadaPhysics
Canadian Association of Physicists – Division for Gender Equity in Physics
This division promotes inclusivity within physics research and education in Canada by organizing panel discussions, contributing articles, suggesting speakers, coordinating delegations to gender minority conferences and more.
Learn more →
EUInterdisciplinary
EPWS – European Platform of Women Scientists
The European Platform of Women Scientists is an international non-profit organisation that represents the needs, concerns, interests, and aspirations of more than 12.000 women scientists in Europe and beyond. EPWS facilitates a structured, informed, targeted and constructive dialogue between the community of women scientists and research policy makers at EU level.
Learn more →
EUQuantum
Quantum Flagship – Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Working Group
This working group is part of the large-scale Quantum Flagship research and innovation initiative. It regularly surveys the quantum community on Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) and publishes actions to promote equality.
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FrancePhysics
Femmes & Sciences Association
This association is for scientists from all disciplines who want to promote women scientists, encourage girls to embark on scientific careers, and build up a network of mutual aid.
Learn more →
FrancePhysics
French Physics Society – Women and Physics Commission
The committee organizes gender equality sessions at conferences, raises awareness on gender representation, collaborates with other organizations, mentors female physicists, and works on equal treatment in scientific committees and events.
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GermanyPhysics
German Physical Society – Working Group on Equal Opportunities
This Working Group supports female physicists within the German Physical Society at all career stages by promoting networking, organising events and increasing visibility through initiatives such as the German Conference of Women in Physics and the Lise Meitner Lectures.
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IndiaPhysics
Indian Physics Association – Gender in Physics Working Group
Formed in 2017, with the aim of co-ordinating national efforts towards gender parity in the Indian physics profession. The working group collects data on the status of gender parity, facilitates deliberations, and networks with other working groups.
Learn more →
InternationalQuantum
DIVERSITY IN QUANTUM – DiviQ
An international nonprofit advancing diversity and inclusion across the quantum computing field. DiviQ runs affinity groups — including Women in Quantum and Queers in Quantum — offering mentorship, events and community support for underrepresented groups building careers in quantum.
Learn more →
InternationalQuantum
Girls in Quantum
Founded in 2022, Girls in Quantum is an international student-led network working to democratize quantum computing education for girls and young people, with free multilingual learning resources, mentorship and a growing community active in dozens of countries across six continents.
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InternationalQuantum
inQlude
A a community-driven initiative within quantum information science that provides a searchable directory highlighting women and gender-minority scientists working in quantum information science across academia, industry and policy. Hosted by the International Centre for Theory of Quantum Technologies (ICTQT) at the University of Gdańsk, Poland, with support from the Foundational Questions Institute (FQXi), and open to an international audience.
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InternationalQuantum
IUPAP – WG5 Women in Physics
WG5 is a working group within the International Union of Pure and Applied Physics (IUPAP) focused on improving gender diversity and inclusion in physics: surveying global gender issues, and organizing the International Conference on Women in Physics.
Learn more →
InternationalQuantum
OneQuantum – Women in Quantum
A global community across 40+ countries, offering networking, mentoring, and career support through events, a job board, and scholarships, plus recognition through several awards.
Learn more →
InternationalQuantum
SheQuantum
SheQuantum was founded in 2020 and is the first eLearning platform focused on inspiring and educating women and girls in quantum computing. Its mission is to provide courses, resources, and expert interviews to empower women and girls to become the next generation of quantum engineers and scientists.
Learn more →
InternationalQuantum
Women 4 Quantum - W4Q
A network of senior, tenured female physics professors working in quantum optics, atomic and molecular physics, quantum many-body physics and quantum information, based mainly across Europe with members also in Japan. W4Q advocates for genuinely effective approaches to gender balance in the field and has published its own Manifesto of Values.
Learn more →
ItalyPhysics
Italian Physical Society – Equal Opportunities Committee
This committee focuses on promoting studies, events and cooperations, conducting research on equal opportunities, implementing national and European directives, raising awareness through information campaigns and more.
Learn more →
MexikoPhysics
Women in Physics Mexico (WIPMX)
A collaborative initiative empowering women in science through talks, discussions and workshops that support their careers at every stage. Bringing together women across generations and disciplines, it builds community and leadership skills.
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NetherlandsQuantum
We in Quantum Development (WIQD)
A professional network working in industry, academia and policy that envisions an inclusive quantum ecosystem. Their aim is to connect and retain underrepresented groups in quantum through support, networking, and community growth.
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Nordic countriesPhysics
NORNDiP – Nordic Network for Diversity in Physics
An inclusive Nordic Network for Diversity in Physics (Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden), creating and promoting initiatives to enhance gender balance and bridge the gap on gender equality.
Learn more →
South AfricaPhysics
South African Institute of Physics – Women In Physics in South Africa (WiPiSA)
A dedicated forum within the South African Institute of Physics (SAIP) focused on advancing the interests of women in physics and increasing female participation – encouraging girls and women to study physics, supporting careers, and removing barriers to progress.
Learn more →
SpainPhysics
Spanish Royal Society of Physics (RSEF) – Specialized Group of Women in Physics
This group aims to increase the presence of women in physics, highlight their achievements, and advocate for their rights and equal opportunities, sharing resources and raising awareness to inspire future generations.
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SwitzerlandPhysics
Swiss Physical Society – Commission for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI)
Established in 2024, this commission promotes a more inclusive, equitable, and diverse physics community across Switzerland, with representation from various regions and career stages.
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TaiwanPhysics
Physical Society of Taiwan – Committee on Women in Physics
Originating from an IUPAP initiative, this committee addresses the low number of female scientists in physics and organizes activities and events to foster a more inclusive environment for women.
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United KingdomPhysics
Institute of Physics – Women in Physics Group
A member-driven special interest group of the IOP supporting women across industry, teaching, research and academia through networking, career-development workshops and advocacy — including on career breaks, education and short-term contracts. It also administers the Jocelyn Bell Burnell Medal and Prize for early-career women physicists.
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USPhysics
American Physical Society – Gender-Inclusive Physics Community (GIC)
Dedicated to advancing inclusivity in physics by facilitating events, initiating discussion, promoting mentorship, and supporting women, those with diverse gender identities, and underrepresented racial and ethnic groups.
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USPhysics
National Society of Black Physicists
Works to expand opportunities in physics for African Americans and the African diaspora, and to support their professional growth in the global scientific community.
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USPhysics
African American Women in Physics (AAWIP)
Highlights African American women in physics, astronomy, and related fields. They maintain a curated database of African American women with Ph.D.s (or working professionally) in physics, astronomy and related fields. It honors the women who paved the way, inspires future physicists, and connects with allies committed to diversity in physics and STEM.
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Women for Quantum Manifesto of Values
Big news on arXiv!
Over 30 female Quantum Professors have united to release a powerful Manifesto of Values. They reflect on gender issues in quantum physics and call for change with a clear set of values. Let's support and amplify their voices! hashtag
WomenInSTEM hashtagQuantumPhysics
Kick-off event atom*innen
Some time ago at Institute IQOQI-Innsbruck, Francesca Ferlaino began developing the idea of creating an online user-interactive platform to empower and support women in (quantum) physics, with the aim of providing a focal point for gathering information and connections. Today, the project has taken form and it's called Atom*innen. It will be launched on April 11th in Vienna.