Five Women Scientists Awarded 2024 L’Oréal-Unesco Fellowships for Groundbreaking Research
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - In a significant boost to gender equality in STEMM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medicine), five early-career female researchers were honored at the 2024 L’Oréal-Unesco For Women in Science ceremony held in Melbourne last November. These fellows are set to receive crucial funding to advance their pioneering projects, tackling some of the planet's most urgent challenges.
Globally, women remain underrepresented in science, with only 4% of Nobel Prize laureates being female and women holding just 15% of STEM-qualified positions in Australia. However, efforts like the L’Oréal-Unesco initiative are making strides, evidenced by a 76% increase in women in STEMM roles in Australia over the past decade.
Meet the Fellows:
Dr. Leah Smith from the University of Otago, New Zealand, is pioneering phage therapy to combat antimicrobial resistance, a global health threat projected to cause 10 million deaths annually by 2050.
Dr. Brittany Mitchell at QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Queensland, leverages her personal experience with mental health to research the genetics of depression, aiming to personalize treatment strategies.
Dr. Mengyu Li from the University of Sydney explores the environmental impacts of global consumption patterns, using advanced modeling to highlight sustainability issues and question if increased happiness could lead to reduced consumption.
Dr. Emily Roycroft of the Australian National University investigates the genetic health of endangered Australian mammals on islands, with the goal of using this knowledge to rewild mainland habitats.
Dr. Kaye Minkyung Kang, also from the University of Sydney, is developing nanotechnology solutions to convert carbon emissions into useful chemicals, potentially revolutionizing carbon capture with solar energy.
Marnie Carroll, Chief Corporate Affairs and Engagement Officer at L’Oréal Australia & New Zealand, emphasized the importance of these fellowships: "These five outstanding female researchers show why supporting more women to progress in their scientific careers is crucial – we do not want to miss out on these great minds and the changes they are making for the world."
The L’Oréal-Unesco For Women in Science initiative, since its inception in 1998, has recognized over 4,100 women scientists worldwide, promoting gender parity and enhancing scientific innovation. These fellowships not only highlight the critical work of these scientists but also underscore the economic and societal benefits of gender equality in STEMM fields. As Europe estimates an economic boost from increasing women's participation in tech to 45% by 2027, similar benefits are anticipated globally.
This recognition serves as a beacon of hope and progress in the ongoing effort to close the gender gap in science, ensuring that future generations benefit from diverse perspectives in solving global challenges.