8.26.2004 ET

(CSRwire) New York, NY - Following the successful launch of the L'Oreal USA for Women in Science Fellowship Program benefiting young women researchers earlier this year, L'Oreal USA announces the start of the application process for year two of the Fellowship.

In keeping with last year's procedures, qualifying applicants are invited to visit the company's website at www.lorealusa.com/forwomeninscience to download the application and to get additional information on criteria and eligibility. The application process will be open for approximately seven weeks, and will close on October 15th, 2004.

This year, the Fellowship will be opened to postdoctoral associates only. Like last year, however, the program's core remains the same: to support the aspirational goals of young women interested in pursuing careers in the life and physical sciences as well as math, engineering and computer science.

The L'Oreal USA Program is in keeping with the overall mission of the L'Oreal Group's international for Women in Science program, held in Paris, France annually to recognize outstanding women scientists, help promising young women researchers advance their careers through fellowships, and encourage more women to adopt science as a career choice by promoting the achievements of women in science.

The creation of the USA Fellowship program in 2003 is especially relevant, in light of studies issued by The National Council for Research on Women and BEST (Building Engineering & Science Talent), pointing to a critical need "to enhance women's and young girls' participation, experience and possibilities in the sciences". According to reports issued by these organizations, not only does this demographic group represent almost 50% of the available talent pool, but the unique perspectives and experiences of this group provide "different interpretations and raise different questions", which is a necessary catalyst for science progress.

L'Oreal USA will award five postdoctoral fellowships to be announced in Spring 2005. Each recipient will receive $20,000 in support of her chosen area of research. A Jury comprised primarily of for Women in Science North American Laureate winners will select the five honorees.

L'Oreal's commitment to science, women and education has been further demonstrated through the success of the company's international for Women in Science Awards program, which to date has honored 25 prominent women scientists from around the world for their breakthrough work in the Life and Material sciences.

Additionally, 55 fellowships have been awarded to promising young women scientists, coming from all regions of the world including Malaysia, Trinidad and Tobago, the Ivory Coast and Palestine, and a growing number of national initiatives like the U.S. Fellowship program to support promising young women researchers, have been established.

Note to Editors:
L'Oreal USA, headquartered in New York City, with annual sales of over $3.8 billion and 8,400 employees, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the L'Oreal Group, the world's leading cosmetics company. L'Oreal USA has Research & Development, Manufacturing, Distribution and Administration facilities in New Jersey, New York, Kentucky, Arkansas, Illinois, Ohio, Colorado and Georgia. The company's prestigious brand portfolio includes, L'Oreal Paris, Lancôme, Maybelline New York, Garnier, Redken 5th Ave NYC, Soft Sheen/Carson, Kiehl's Since 1851, L'Oreal Professionnel, Matrix, La Roche-Posay, Ralph Lauren Fragrances, Vichy, Giorgio Armani Parfums and Cosmetics, Biotherm and shu uemura.

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