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The L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science program celebrates and supports outstanding women in the scientific community throughout the world. This initiative aims to highlight the transformative contributions women make in scientific research and innovation. In the previous year, six remarkable scholars were honored for their impressive achievements across diverse fields, encompassing everything from forensic chemistry to marine science.
In this feature, we delve into the stories of the 2024 L’Oréal–UNESCO For Women in Science Award recipients, examining their compelling journeys, innovative discoveries, and the myriad challenges they confronted while striving for scientific excellence.
Dr. Hiam Souheil Chemaitelly
Nationality: Qatari
Role: Assistant Professor of Research in Population Health Sciences at Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar
Dr. Chemaitelly is making significant progress in her research on infectious diseases, focusing particularly on respiratory infections and the efficacy of public health measures.
Impact of the L’Oréal-UNESCO Award Funding
The award funding has been vital in enabling me to explore fresh research opportunities, specifically regarding the transmission of respiratory infections and assessing various health interventions. This support not only boosts my financial resources but also elevates my profile within the scientific community, fostering new collaborations and funding pathways. It profoundly inspires me to explore scientific frontiers while encouraging other women to engage in STEM fields.
Key Research Focus Areas
My research centers on understanding the dynamics of infectious diseases, including their spread among diverse populations and environments. This encompasses identifying prevalent strains, their seasonal patterns, and evaluating vaccine performance over time. Such insights are essential for outbreak prediction and the formulation of effective vaccination strategies to improve public health outcomes globally.
Progress for Women in STEM
There have been remarkable advancements in encouraging women’s participation in scientific fields within our region. Many institutions now have women comprising the majority of researchers; however, there remains a notable underrepresentation in leadership roles. As more women advance in their careers, I believe we’ll witness an increase in those assuming leadership positions, significantly influencing the science landscape.
Long-Term Aspirations in Science
I aspire to foster a culture of evidence-based policymaking in public health across the region. By creating comprehensive maps of infectious disease transmission, I aim to set a foundational standard for future research and development. My work aims to transform our region into a leader in scientific research, particularly within public health, facilitating impactful global changes.
Dr. Leena Ali Ibrahim
Nationality: Palestinian-Bulgarian
Role: Assistant Professor of Bioscience at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST)
Dr. Ibrahim’s pioneering work investigates sensory processing and brain development, focusing on autism and neurodevelopmental disorders.
Opportunities from L’Oréal-UNESCO Award Funding
This award significantly boosts the visibility of my research and highlights critical issues addressed within my laboratory. I hope this recognition will inspire young women to pursue careers in neuroscience, an essential but underexplored field.
Dr. Entessar Al-Hetlani
Nationality: Kuwaiti
Role: Associate Professor at Kuwait University
A leader in forensic chemistry, Dr. Al-Hetlani aims to create innovative forensic techniques that enhance the analysis of criminal evidence.
Impact of Award Funding
Receiving the L’Oréal-UNESCO award is a great honor, providing essential funding that alleviates research challenges, allowing her to pursue groundbreaking experiments at the University at Albany, NY, US.
Fatima Alshamsi
Nationality: Emirati
Role: PhD Candidate at Khalifa University
Alshamsi is pioneering cardiovascular research to better understand how diabetes leads to heart complications.
Funding Influence
The award funding has greatly impacted my research, allowing the exploration of genomics and transcriptomics in cardiovascular complications related to diabetes. It has also fostered collaborations with global researchers.
Future Goals in Scientific Research
My research aims to clarify how diabetes leads to cardiovascular complications by identifying dysfunctional proteins in endothelial cells. These insights will support the development of targeted therapies that improve patient health and reduce healthcare costs.
Israa Al Hussain Al Hassan Othman
Nationality: Emirati
Role: PhD Candidate at Khalifa University
Othman’s research focuses on creating solutions for CO₂ reduction using nanomaterials in photocatalysis.
Influence of Award Funding
Winning this award enhances my research visibility and opens doors to new collaborations, emphasizing the importance of women in marine science and potentially influencing the field’s future.
Taiba Alamoudi
Nationality: Saudi Arabian
Role: PhD Candidate at KAUST
Alamoudi delves into the impacts of climate change on marine ecosystems, particularly focusing on CO₂ reduction strategies.
Challenges Addressed by Research
My research investigates the effects of deoxygenation on algae, aiming to understand the ecological balance disruptions it causes. This work is crucial for addressing the broader implications of climate change on marine life.
Aspirations for the Future
Ultimately, I aim to empower future women scientists and advocate for inclusivity in STEM fields, hoping to leave a legacy of sustainability and resilience.
