Innovative women scientists were awarded the L’Oréal-UNESCO Prize

The L’Oréal Foundation, which has been working with women on science since 1998, and UNESCO have once again announced the names of five women scientists who have won the Women in Science Award for their innovative research in various fields.

According to a statement on the official website of UNESCO, in recent years the role of science and the challenges it faces have become more urgent than ever. In order for science to be effective, it must involve the potential of all talent. “The world needs science, and science needs women.” This is the motto of the foundation and UNESCO, and 117 women have already won awards.

“Providing opportunities for women to engage in scientific activities is crucial to ensuring equality, which benefits the development of all humanity. That is why we are proud to announce the names of the five women who won the 24th International Prize in the category of Life and Environmental Sciences, “said UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay.

The winners were chosen by an independent jury headed by Professor Bridget Kefir, who received the same award in 2014. Each of the winners will receive 100 thousand euros for her outstanding achievement. Women laureates from different continents have been awarded prizes for their innovative contributions to the natural sciences and healthcare.

The winner from the Latin American and Caribbean region was Maria Guadalupe Guzman Tirado (born 1952), who specializes in infectious disease research. She is the director of the Cuban Institute of Tropical Medicine Research Center. The female researcher was awarded for an innovative study on the treatment of dengue fever, which provides a better understanding of the pathogenesis of the disease, symptom management and prevention.

The award was given to Professor Catalin Larico (born 1952) from North America for her research in biochemistry. She was awarded for her significant contribution to the development of messenger RNA technology.

Professor Haylan Hun (born in 1973), who conducts research in the field of neuroscience, has been selected from the Asia-Pacific region. She is a professor at the Center for Neurology of the Faculty of Medicine of Zhejiang University in China, as well as the Executive Director. Awarded for important discoveries in the field of neuroscience, in particular for its work against depression, which has led to the development of a new generation of drugs for the treatment of depression.

Professor Agnes Binagwaho (born 1958) was elected from Africa and the Arab world. She represents the field of public health. She is a professor of pediatrics at Kigali University in Rwanda and vice-rector of the university. Awarded for key role in creating a new public health system for the most vulnerable in Africa, especially Rwanda.

Maria Angel (born 1960) was selected from the European region, her research is in the field of embryology. She is a professor at the Institute of Neurology at the University of San Juan de Alicante in Spain. Awarded for fundamental discoveries in cell differentiation during embryonic development.

According to a UNESCO report on digital technology in science published in June this year, the number of women engaged in science is growing very slowly. Women make up 33% of researchers worldwide, and only 4% of Nobel laureates. This inequality is most visible in the fields of technology and artificial intelligence, where 22% of professionals are women. According to another study, women continue to receive less money, including grants, for their research than men.

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