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In its ninth year, the L’Oréal-UNESCO Middle East Women in Science Young Talent Program in partnership with the Khalifa University of Science and Technology has honored five visionary women from the GCC. The honor recognizes and supports their pioneering research in the life sciences, physical sciences, mathematics and computer science.
The regional program is part of the L’Oréal-UNESCO Global Women in Science programme, which has recognized more than 3,900 outstanding researchers and more than 100 laureates from more than 110 countries since its launch in 1998.
This year, postdoctoral fellows Dr Maha Zakariya Yahya Al-Riyami (Oman), Dr Raefa Abou Khouzam (UAE) and Dr Fatiha M. Benslimane (Qatar) were awarded €20,000 ($21,305) each; and doctoral student Hessa Ebrahim Ali Alfalahi (UAE) and Ayesha Abdulla Alkhoori (UAE) each received €8,000. These women play a key role in addressing critical global issues and paving the way for more young women to enter STEM fields. Since the region’s launch, the program has recognized 45 researchers from the UAE, Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Yemen.
grow healthy
The program was recognized for the fourth consecutive year by Sarah Al-Amiri, UAE Minister of State for Public Education and Advanced Technologies and Chairperson of the UAE Space Agency, who said: “The L’Oréal Foundation and UNESCO initiative recognizes young women scientists who continue to contribute to the future of STEM. Diversity creates an enabling environment. We have seen healthy growth in the representation of women in these fields over the past few years, and we know that more needs to be done to advance careers across the organization. Creating such opportunities is An important first step in encouraging more young female researchers to advance and succeed in science and technology.”
She added: “The Arab world is home to some groundbreaking women scientists whose work has played a key role in addressing issues affecting society around the globe. We can see examples of this drive for diversity in the UAE, which provides women with access to funding opportunities for career development and equal pay for work of equal value.”
The latest UNESCO Science Report recognizes the efforts of many countries in the Arab world to achieve gender parity at university level. However, the gap widens as women enter the workforce and encounter some barriers that hinder their careers. Female researchers have shorter tenures, pay less, and receive less funding than male researchers.
driving spirit
The driving ethos behind the L’Oréal-UNESCO Women in Science Program is “The world needs science, and science needs women”. The program aims to break down barriers for women to advance in STEM fields and provide them with the tools to succeed.
Laurent Duffier, Managing Director of L’Oréal Middle East, said the program helps uncover the brightest minds and inspiring careers for future generations.
“The program continues to grow, as does the number of women scientists leading people-centred research and development. At L’Oréal, science and innovation are at the heart of everything we do. Supporting and empowering emerging women scientists and their cutting-edge research is our key Committed to the mission, especially in this region, the contributions of women scientists are critical to solutions for the emerging world.
“Our honorees represent some of the most ambitious and passionate women in the region, unhindered by any barriers in their pursuit and dedication to finding new solutions to problems affecting our communities, while also becoming A beacon of empowerment for young girls starting careers in STEM.”
huge potential
Dr Arif Sultan Al Hammadi, Executive Vice-Chancellor of Khalifa University of Science and Technology, said: “We need only look at our own research-intensive academic institutions to gauge the enormous potential of female researchers in the region who are ready to seize every opportunity to transform us. society.
“Khalifa University is proud to have several prominent female scientists among our faculty and researchers. Now more than ever, we need women to lead the charge in driving the Industry 4.0 revolution, and we are proud to partner with L’Oréal-UNESCO Middle East Women Scientists Collaboration to Foster Their Professional Development. The UAE has made strides in ensuring full equality and representation, from educational levels to women leading key scientific and technological advances, which strengthens its global competitiveness. More such initiatives in the region and globally will ensure a diverse and talented workforce in science and technology.”
Professor Mouïn Hamzé, chair of the project’s jury, added: “Equity, diversity and inclusion are the cornerstones of science and research. Women bring perspectives and different perspectives to the table that are critical to fighting climate change, food insecurity, epidemics Finding innovative solutions to pressing global problems such as global diseases, future technologies, and cybersecurity is critical. The program has successfully built a network of bright minds who have contributed to many advances in these fields, and by encouraging young women to A career that responds to societal needs and continues to reverse the trend of underrepresentation in STEM fields.” — trade arab news agency
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