The L’Oreal-UNESCO For Women in Science (FWIS) program has awarded four female researchers in Indonesia with significant research funding and networking opportunities. Each recipient will benefit from a grant of Rp400 million, aimed at enhancing their contributions to scientific innovation.

Awardees and Their Groundbreaking Research

• Maria Apriliani Gani: An esteemed lecturer at the ITB School of Pharmacy, Gani is focusing on developing a cell model to explore plant-based therapies for osteoporosis. Her methodology allows for drug candidate screening without relying on animal testing, simultaneously promoting bone formation and inhibiting bone resorption.
• Lutviasari Nuraini: A researcher at the BRIN Metallurgy Research Center, Nuraini is innovating implant materials made from magnesium alloys aimed at bone regeneration. By incorporating Neodymium, a rare earth metal, her work seeks to enhance the mechanical strength and manage the degradation rate of magnesium implants during healing.
• Anak Agung Dewi Megawati: Associated with Warmadewa University in Denpasar, Megawati is advancing mRNA-based antiviral therapies targeting diseases transmitted by mosquitoes. Her research is pivotal in addressing tropical infectious diseases, marking a significant achievement in medical science.
• Helen Julian: A lecturer in both Chemical Engineering and Food Engineering at ITB, Julian contributed to the development of an Integrated Membrane Photobioreactor-Nanofiltration system. This innovative technology processes palm oil mill effluents (POME) into valuable resources, highlighting the potential for sustainable waste management.

Selection Process and Impact

The awardees were chosen from a competitive pool of 150 applicants, with a remarkable 70% of submissions coming from female researchers under the age of 40. “This year marks the highest number of applicants in the last five years,” noted Herawati Sudoyo, Chair of the Jury Council for FWIS 2025.

The nature of the awarded projects reflects a strong emphasis on local biodiversity and the potential for sustainability within Indonesia, covering areas from natural ingredient development to innovative waste solutions.

Supporting Women’s Involvement in Science

Stella Christie, Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology, reinforced the notion that women possess equal capabilities in science and mathematics. She highlighted ongoing initiatives like the ‘Science for Women and Women for Science’ program, aimed at promoting women’s roles in scientific research.

“Increasing the participation of women in science is vital not only for equality but also for economic progress,” Christie added.

L’Oreal’s Commitment to Female Scientists

According to Benjamin Rachow, President Director of L’Oreal Indonesia, the company acknowledges that research and innovation are crucial to its mission. The FWIS program has supported 79 female researchers in Indonesia over the past 22 years, fostering a new generation of scientists.

“The world needs science, and science needs women,” Rachow stated, emphasizing the importance of empowering female researchers to drive impactful advancements across various fields.