In 1998, L’Oréal and UNESCO founded the For Women in Science program to promote and highlight the critical importance of ensuring greater participation of women in science. The L’Oreal-UNESCO For Women in Science program recognises the achievements of exceptional female scientists at the early stages of their careers and awards them with a Fellowship to help further their research.
Still today, only 28% of researchers are women with less than 20% making up the most senior leadership positions, and only 3% of scientific Nobel Prizes have been awarded to women. This is why, for over the past 20 years, the L’Oréal Corporate Foundation and UNESCO have been committed to increasing the number of women working in scientific research.
It is critical to shine a light on these exceptional female scientists and their research and developments as L’Oréal believes the world needs science and science needs women.
“At L’Oréal we are committed to supporting women in science and highlighting their research and expertise in their fields. Seeing how impressive our For Women in Science fellows are, is a testament of this program each year. We are thrilled to showcase that science is a great career and anything can be done if you set your heart to it. We cannot wait to see these exceptional women progress in their research” says Rodrigo Pizarro, CEO of L’Oréal Australia & New Zealand.
This year, once again the L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science fellows are nothing short of inspiring and we are proud and excited to share their accomplishments in their unique field of expertise.
Dr Jiawen Li
University of Adelaide
A new medical device to diagnose the health of your heart
Dr Jiawen Li is developing a new medical diverse to detect coronary artery disease. Developing the world’s thinnest cellular-resolution intravascular imaging catheter (achieved by using novel 3D-printed micro-optics) this tool will diagnose high-risk patients before their plaques become life-threatening. Although significant progress has been made in cardiovascular research – still every hour, more than 500 individuals experience heart attacks without even knowing they are at risk.
Dr Mahdokht Shaibani
Monash University
Building Australia’s independent lithium-ion battery supply chain
A leader in the transition to renewable energy, advanced and emerging batteries including lithium-ion technology, Dr Mahdokht Shaibani is lobbying for Australia to build a local lithium ion manufacturing supply chain. Australia is one of the few countries that has access to all raw materials required to develop this emerging battery technology – and Mahdokht wants to bring this manufacturing to Australia to secure Australia’s important role in this emerging renewable energy.
Dr Phillipa Karoly
The University of Melbourne and Seer Medical
Tracking the unique cycles of epilepsy with wearable and mobile devices
Pip is developing the next generation of sophisticated wearable devices that will track the cyclic behaviour of disease and disorders, in particular, epilepsy. Dr Pip Karoly has tracked the seizure cycles of thousands of patients which has led to new breakthroughs in seizure forecasting technology which is now being piloted in a world-first mobile and wearable app to tell people when they have a higher or lower chance of having a seizure.
Dr Kirsty Nash
University of Tasmania
What we should know about nutrient profiles in response to climate change
Dr Kirsty Nash is better understanding nutrient profiles of fish to better treat micronutrient deficiencies. Currently micronutrient deficiency such as Vitamin A deficiency is responsible for over 600,000 premature deaths each year globally, and up to 500,000 cases of preventable blindness in children. Nutrient profiles are changing rapidly as a result of climate change and as such pose huge social & health threats.
Dr Olivia Harrison
University of Otago
Understanding anxiety across a diverse spectrum
Olivia is understanding anxiety across a spectrum and monitoring patients response to symptoms of anxiety e.g. racing heart, sweaty palms, shortness of breath. By looking at how we perceive these symptoms, and how that response in-turn further influences or feeds our mental state, Dr Olivia Harrison will be able to better understand the complexity of anxiety. Olivia will also look to understand how gender and personality traits relate to different types of anxiety, and how this may influence an individual’s response to treatment.
About For Women in Science
Today, only 28% of researchers are women with less than 20% making up the most senior leadership positions, and only 3% of Scientific Nobel Prizes have been awarded to women. This is why, for over the past 20 years, the L’Oréal Corporate Foundation and UNESCO have been committed to increasing the number of women working in scientific research.
In 1998, L’Oréal and UNESCO founded the For Women in Science program to promote and highlight the critical importance of ensuring greater participation of women in science. The For Women in Science program recognises the achievements of exceptional female scientists at the early stages of their careers and awards them with a Fellowship to help further their research.
For more information: forwomeninscience.com.au
