May 29, 2026
Award for female researchers: Application period starts 

Henkel opens application phase for the next edition of the Martha Schwarzkopf Award for Women in Science

Düsseldorf, Germany – Henkel is proud to announce the opening of applications for the fifth edition of the Martha Schwarzkopf Award for Women in Science. This international award honors women scientists whose groundbreaking research advances the field of hair and fiber science. The application phase opens on May 29, marking the birth month of Martha Schwarzkopf.
Honoring Martha Schwarzkopf’s Legacy
The award pays tribute to Martha Schwarzkopf, a true pioneer who was one of the first woman in Germany to lead a company and the visionary founder of the Institute for Hair Research. Today, Schwarzkopf is Henkel’s largest consumer brand in the hair category. Its technological innovations are deeply rooted in the rich legacy of the Schwarzkopf Hair Research Institute, which has grown into a global network of research and development laboratories, hair test salons and hair academies – all dedicated to advancing hair science worldwide. 

“Inspired by the UN International Day of Women and Girls in Science, the Martha Schwarzkopf Award honors outstanding female scientists whose research shapes the future of hair care. It reflects Henkel’s belief that strong science is the foundation of truly superior beauty products”, says Frank Meyer, Senior Vice President Global R&D at Henkel Consumer Brands.  As Henkel is celebrating its 150th anniversary this year, the same pioneering spirit continues to inspire the company’s path forward. Initiatives like the Martha Schwarzkopf Award reflect Henkel’s ongoing commitment to shape progress with purpose.

Building a Global Network of Experts
"We are proud to continuously expand our network of hair researchers”, says Jessica Welzel, Manager R&D Hair Science at Henkel Consumer Brands and chair of the Martha Schwarzkopf Award jury. “The applicants and award winners from previous years have become integral members of this community, and the scientific exchange and collaboration with them greatly enrich our work. By presenting the main award for long-term contributions and the Emerging Talent Award, we offer both established female scientists and promising young researchers the opportunity to join and contribute to this growing network.”

How to apply 
The Martha Schwarzkopf Award welcomes applications from female scientists with their research achievements in hair, fiber and related scientific fields, including – but not limited to – natural, material, and cosmetic sciences, biotechnology and protein science, hair dye and pigment research, mechanical engineering and physics of fibers, computer science, modeling, and simulation, medicine and biological sciences related to hair and scalp. 

Applications are welcome from both established scientists and emerging talents who demonstrate a strong scientific track record and significant achievements. All submissions will be evaluated holistically, enabling the jury to recognize excellence across a broad range of scientific fields.
Application period & process
Interested candidates are invited to submit the required application documents in English until August 15, 2026 via email to RnD.Award@henkel.com. Applicants from North America will not be considered. 

•	Letter of motivation
•	Short curriculum vitae
•	List of key publications
•	Summary of relevant publicly available research
•	Application photo (optional)
Award recipients will gain international scientific recognition and receive a financial award, as well as opportunities for scientific exchange, mentorship and collaboration. In addition, they will be invited to attend the Martha Schwarzkopf Award Ceremony, held in conjunction with a scientific event of the growing Martha Schwarzkopf network in Germany in summer 2027.

About Henkel
With its brands, innovations and technologies, Henkel holds leading market positions worldwide in the industrial and consumer businesses. The business unit Adhesive Technologies is the global leader in the market for adhesives, sealants and coatings. With Consumer Brands, the company holds leading positions especially in laundry & home care and hair in many markets and categories around the world. The company's three strongest brands are Loctite, Persil and Schwarzkopf. In fiscal 2025, Henkel reported sales of about 20.5 billion euros and adjusted operating profit of around 3.0 billion euros. Henkel’s preferred shares are listed in the German stock index DAX. Sustainability has a long tradition at Henkel, and the company has a clear sustainability strategy with specific targets. Henkel was founded in 1876 and today employs a diverse team of about 47,000 people worldwide – united by a strong corporate culture, shared values and a common purpose: "Pioneers at heart for the good of generations.” More information at www.henkel.com 

Photo material is available at www.henkel.com/press

Contact	Kathryn-Marie Althaus  	Kathrin Brokmeier	
Phone	+49 211 7974091	+49 211 797-86 05	
Email	kathryn-marie.althaus@henkel.com	kathrin.brokmeier@henkel.com 

Henkel AG & Co. KGaA