Loading...THE 2016 L’ORÉAL-UNESCO FOR WOMEN IN SCIENCE AWARDS:
HONOURING WOMEN IN SCIENCE
WHO HAVE THE POWER TO CHANGE THE WORLD
The international scientific community gathered at the Maison de la Mutualité in 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 them Doctor Hiba El Hajj from Lebanon. 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.
THE 2016 L’ORÉAL-UNESCO FOR WOMEN IN SCIENCE AWARDS:
TOWARDS TOMORROW
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.
Among the 15 scientists rewarded from the Arab States, was Dr Hiba El Hajj from the American University of Beirut, who already won the L’Oréal UNESCO For Women In Science Levant and Egypt regional fellowship in October 2015.
Dr Hiba El Hajj main research interests focus on Oncology and Parasitology, and her ultimate aim is to provide a better understanding of the biology of the diseases she is working on, at the molecular level, in order to provide better management, care and treatment strategies to the patients.
AN AMBITION EXPRESSED IN A MANIFESTO
For the past 18 years, the L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science program has encouraged, promoted and honoured women scientists all over the world. However, the current situation indicates that much remains to be done. The year’s Awards Ceremony concluded with the launch of the For Women in Science Manifesto: an opinion campaign aimed at engaging the scientific community and the general public to step up the pace of change for women in science.
Jean-Paul Agon, Irina Bokova, and this year’s President of the Jury, Elizabeth Blackburn, signed the Manifesto, along with the Laureates, International Rising Talents and numerous guests in attendance to ensure the visibility and public support necessary, so that everyone involved can work together towards gender equality in the sciences.
THE 6 COMMITMENTS OF THE #FORWOMENINSCIENCE MANIFESTO
1/ Encourage girls to explore scientific career paths
2/ Break down the barriers that prevent women scientists from pursuing long term careers in research
3/ Prioritise women’s access to senior positions and leadership positions in the sciences
4/ Celebrate with the general public the contribution that women scientists make to scientific progress and to society
5/ Ensure gender equality through participation and leadership in symposiums and scientific commissions, such as conferences, committees and board meetings
6/ Promote mentoring and networking for young scientists to enable them to plan and develop careers that meet their expectations
