Make science more accessible to women

L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Awards Ceremony

Five women researchers in the physical sciences who have addressed today's global challenges were recognised with a L’Oréal-UNESCO Award, which were given out by Madame Irina Bokova, Director General of UNESCO and Sir Lindsay Owen-Jones, Chairman of L’Oréal and the L’Oréal Foundation.

A Ceremony Honouring Exceptional Women at the Forefront of Science

Professor Faiza Al-Kharafi (Kuwait), Laureate for Africa and the Arab States, is Professor of Chemistry at Kuwait University, Safat. She was recognised for her work on corrosion, a problem of fundamental importance to water treatment and the oil industry.

She comments: “Science is a universal language and a journey of discovery. I am honoured to receive this unique award on behalf of my country, and also on behalf of women from the world’s five continents, who are pursuing excellence in their research.”

Professor Vivian Wing-Wah Yam (China), Laureate for Asia and the Pacific, is Professor of Chemistry and Energy, Department of Chemistry, at the University of Hong Kong. She was recognised for her work on light-emitting materials and innovative ways of capturing solar energy.

She comments: “I don’t think that there is a difference between men and women in terms of intellectual ability. Regardless of your gender or race: as long as you have the passion, dedication and determination, you can excel and produce a work of high quality.”

Professor Anne L’Huillier (Sweden), Laureate for Europe, is Professor in Atomic Physics at Lund University, Lund. She was recognised for her work on the development of the fastest camera for recording the movement of electrons in attoseconds (a billionth of a billionth of a second).

She comments: “Why did I become a physicist? My grandfather was an engineer; he taught me the importance of science for humanity, and this continues to motivate me today. After this week, I will return home full of optimism for the future of women in science, and the future of science in general, with men and women from all over the world.”

Professor Silvia Torres-Peimbert (Mexico), Laureate for Latin America, is Professor Emeritus at the Institute of Astronomy, National University of Mexico (UNAM), Mexico City. She was recognised for her work on the chemical composition of nebulae which is fundamental to our understanding of the origin of the universe.

She comments: “I come from a developing country; I feel that developing countries need to spend more effort and money on education and science. This is very expensive, but I think that it is more expensive not to do so.”

Professor Jillian Banfield (USA), Laureate for North America, is Professor, Earth and Planetary Science and Environmental Science, Department of Material Science and Engineering, at the University of California, Berkeley. She was recognised for her work on bacterial and material behaviour under extreme conditions relevant to the environment and the Earth.

She comments: “To young scientists, I would say: you should never be afraid to admit that you don’t know something, to ask questions, to change direction and to pursue new challenges and opportunities.”

Sir Lindsay Owen-Jones, Chairman of L’Oréal and the L’Oréal Foundation, comments: “More than ever, the world needs science and science needs women; it also needs heart and passion. Today, our For Women in Science programme is a great success. Among all the initiatives that I have had the chance to develop, it is most certainly the one which brings me the most joy, and of which I am the most proud.”

Madame Irina Bokova, Director General of UNESCO, comments: “Only 10% of university professors and fewer than 5% of science academics are women; so much talent is wasted because girls turn away from these types of fields. By encouraging women in science & technology we hope to change the face of research.”

A long-term commitment to scientific progress

Each year, the L'Oréal Foundation and UNESCO renew their commitment to recognise the excellence of exceptional women, encourage scientific careers and support the talent of tomorrow. These outstanding women scientists, who have responded so fully to today's scientific challenges, are helping tackle such major issues as accessing water, sustainable development, controlling energy and fighting against pandemics.

In thirteen years, the L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science programme has honoured 67 Laureates and awarded 1,019 Fellowships. It has become the reference for scientific excellence internationally and has made a strong contribution to creating role models for women, thereby opening the door to the sciences for a whole new generation of young women.

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