THE 2016 L’ORÉAL-UNESCO FOR WOMEN IN SCIENCE AWARDS: HONOURING WOMEN IN SCIENCE WHO HAVE THE POWER TO CHANGE THE WORLD

On March 24th 2016, the international scientific community gathered at the Maison de la Mutualité, Paris for the 18th edition of the L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Awards, to celebrate 5 exceptional women scientists and their ground breaking work, as well as 15 promising young researchers. Among these 15 young researchers, Dr. Habiba Al Safar represented the United Arab Emirates and Dr. Jasmeen Merzaban represented the Kingdom Saudi Arabia. In the face of unprecedented global challenges, from climate change to healthcare to sustainable energy, their discoveries are offering new solutions and answering vital questions. They are proving time and time again that women in science have the power to change the world.

Since 1998, the L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science programme aims to ensure that research in every field takes full advantage of the intelligence, creativity and passion of one-half of the population of the planet. Over the past 18 years, the program has honoured 92 distinguished Laureates and supported 2,438 greatly talented women for their outstanding accomplishments that contribute to making the world a better place. 

THE L’OREAL-UNESCO 2016 INTERNATIONAL RISING TALENTS

For many years, the L’Oréal UNESCO For Women in Science programme has recognized the importance of highlighting the achievements of younger women who are in the early stages of their scientific careers.  The International Rising Talents grants, founded in 2014 were the result. 

This year’s, two of the L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science 2014 Middle East fellows won the International Rising Talents fellowship working towards changing the world in two categories: 

Technology and Engineering: Innovations that could change the face of medicine

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• Professor Jasmeen Merzaban, SAUDI ARABIA. 

RESEARCH ON THE MIGRATION OF STEM CELLS TO BETTER UNDERSTAND HOW THEY MIGHT BE USED TO TREAT DISEASE. 

Solutions in Health Sciences through modern medicine

• Doctor Habiba Alsafar, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES. 

IDENTIFYING GENETIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL RISK FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH DIABETES-INDUCED OBESITY AND DIABETES-INDUCED HEART DISEASE. 

This year, to raise awareness and bring visibility to women in science who are changing the world, an International campaign was launched on March 16th. Among other actions, millions of people on the streets of Paris and travellers passing through the Charles de Gaulle and Orly airports will discover two unique exhibitions of the 5 Laureates.