Paris. During the International Week for Women in Science, Paris was a meeting point for a group of women who have received awards for their outstanding work in research. Today, the L’Oréal Foundation and UNESCO celebrate 45 scientists from more than 35 countries in a gala gathering the winners of the past three years: 15 ancient scientists and 30 young people recognized as emerging talents.
Among the first group is Mexican Esperanza Martinez Romero, recipient of the 2020 Prize for her outstanding pioneering work in the use of friendly bacteria. That year, scholars such as Abla Mahiou Sebai and Kristi Anseth shared the prize. The Lebanese epidemiologist was honored for her research on healthy aging in low- and middle-income countries. On the other hand, the American Anas was chosen for her contribution to the meeting points between engineering and biology.
For the 2021 edition, Latin American scientists such as Alicia Dickenstein, of Argentina, among others, were selected for her research, which allowed for a more accurate understanding of the structures and behavior of cells and molecules.
Dr. Catalin Cariko cannot be missing from this year’s list of winners. The American scientist is awarded for her innovative development of non-inflammatory mRNA, the work of which was necessary for the last generation of effective vaccines against Covid-19. But his work is still paying off in other areas, such as future treatments for hard-to-treat diseases like cancer, heart failure, strokes, anemia and autoimmune disease.
There’s also Helan Hu, the neuroscientist in charge of the Center for Neurosciences at the Zhejiang School of Medicine in China, who has been honored for her groundbreaking discoveries in neuroscience. His work is considered to have revealed the mechanism of depression with essential contributions to the development of next-generation antidepressants.
Supporting scientific work
In 1998, the L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Program was created, which supported 3,900 women scientists to achieve a more equitable and inclusive world that highlights the essential work of women in science. The idea is to achieve recognition and support for scientists, as well as to inspire new generations to find solutions to global problems.
Regarding new talent, Shamila Nair Bidwill, Deputy Director of Natural Sciences at UNESCO, noted that many of the emerging works being celebrated this year are emerging in areas that will be vital to “decarbonizing our future,” such as energy storage, hydrogen fuel systems, quantum optics, An area of study that paves the way for more energy efficient computers.
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, it was not possible to hold the award ceremony for the scientists.
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