Henkel Invites Women Scientists to Apply for International Martha Schwarzkopf Award in Hair and Fiber Research

Henkel presents the Martha Schwarzkopf Award.

(IN BRIEF) Henkel has opened applications for the fifth Martha Schwarzkopf Award for Women in Science, an international award honoring women researchers whose work contributes to hair science, fiber science and related scientific fields. The award pays tribute to Martha Schwarzkopf, one of Germany’s early female business leaders and the founder of the Institute for Hair Research, whose legacy remains central to Schwarzkopf’s innovation heritage. The 2026 edition invites applications from both established scientists and emerging talents working across areas such as natural sciences, cosmetic sciences, biotechnology, protein science, hair dye and pigment research, fiber physics, computer science, modeling, medicine and biological sciences linked to hair and scalp research. Henkel said the award supports scientific excellence, mentorship and collaboration while helping expand a global community of researchers in hair and fiber science. Applications must be submitted in English by August 15, 2026, and winners will receive international recognition, a financial award, and an invitation to the Martha Schwarzkopf Award Ceremony in Germany in summer 2027.

(PRESS RELEASE) DÜSSELDORF, 29-May-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — Henkel has opened the application phase for the fifth edition of the Martha Schwarzkopf Award for Women in Science, an international distinction created to recognize women researchers whose work is advancing hair science, fiber science and related scientific disciplines. Applications are now being accepted from May 29, a date chosen to coincide with the birth month of Martha Schwarzkopf, whose pioneering contribution to the field continues to shape the award’s purpose.

The award honors the legacy of Martha Schwarzkopf, one of the first women in Germany to lead a company and the founder of the Institute for Hair Research. Her work laid important foundations for scientific progress in hair care and continues to influence Schwarzkopf, now Henkel’s largest consumer brand in the hair category. The brand’s innovation heritage remains closely connected to the Schwarzkopf Hair Research Institute, which has developed into a global network of research and development laboratories, hair test salons and hair academies focused on advancing hair science around the world.

Frank Meyer, Senior Vice President Global R&D at Henkel Consumer Brands, said the award is inspired by the UN International Day of Women and Girls in Science and recognizes outstanding women scientists whose research helps shape the future of hair care. He added that the initiative reflects Henkel’s belief that strong scientific work is essential to developing superior beauty products. As Henkel marks its 150th anniversary this year, the company said the same pioneering spirit continues to guide its future, with initiatives such as the Martha Schwarzkopf Award demonstrating its commitment to purposeful progress.

The award also supports Henkel’s efforts to build a broader international network of experts in hair and fiber science. Jessica Welzel, Manager R&D Hair Science at Henkel Consumer Brands and chair of the Martha Schwarzkopf Award jury, said Henkel is proud to continue expanding its community of hair researchers. She noted that applicants and past winners have become important members of this network, contributing to scientific exchange and collaboration that enriches Henkel’s work.

The Martha Schwarzkopf Award includes two recognition categories, enabling both established scientists and early-career researchers to participate. The main award acknowledges long-term scientific contributions, while the Emerging Talent Award is designed to support promising young researchers. Through both categories, Henkel aims to offer women scientists the opportunity to join a growing international community dedicated to innovation in hair and fiber research.

Applications are open to women scientists whose research achievements relate to hair, fibers and connected scientific fields. Eligible areas include natural sciences, material sciences, cosmetic sciences, biotechnology, protein science, hair dye and pigment research, mechanical engineering, fiber physics, computer science, modeling, simulation, medicine, and biological sciences related to the hair and scalp. Henkel said the scope is intentionally broad to recognize excellence across multiple disciplines that contribute to the future of hair science.

Both established researchers and emerging talents are invited to apply, provided they can demonstrate strong scientific credentials and meaningful research achievements. Submissions will be assessed holistically by the jury, allowing the award to recognize high-quality scientific work across a wide range of research backgrounds and specialties.

Candidates must submit their application documents in English by August 15, 2026, via email to RnD.Award@henkel.com. Required documents include a letter of motivation, a short curriculum vitae, a list of key publications and a summary of relevant publicly available research. Applicants may also include an application photo, although this is optional. Applicants from North America will not be considered.

Award recipients will receive international scientific recognition, a financial prize and access to opportunities for scientific exchange, mentorship and collaboration. Winners will also be invited to attend the Martha Schwarzkopf Award Ceremony, which will take place alongside a scientific event of the growing Martha Schwarzkopf network in Germany in summer 2027.

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

Media Contacts:

Kathryn-Marie Althaus
Phone +49 211 7974091
Email kathryn-marie.althaus@henkel.com

Kathrin Brokmeier
+49 211 797-86 05
kathrin.brokmeier@henkel.com

SOURCE: Henkel