For a seventh year running, L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Middle East Regional Young Talents Program, in collaboration with Khalifa University of Science and Technology, has recognized Arab female scientists from the Gulf region for their revolutionary research in the fields of life sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, and computer science.

Dana Zaher, UAE

This year, the program awarded six winners in the categories Post-doctorate Researchers and PhD Students. They include Dr Lama AlAbdi from Saudi Arabia, UAE’s Dr Maryam Tariq Khaleel Alhashmi, and Dr Isra Marei, each of whom received EUR20,000 (Dhs87,152) in the Post-doctorate Researchers category. Asrar Damdam from Saudi Arabia, and Dana Zaher and Mina Al Ani from the UAE each received EUR 8,000 (AED34,858) in the PhD Students category.

Dr Lama AlAbdi, KSA

For the second year in a row, the program has received the endorsement of Her Excellency Sarah bint Yousef Al Amiri, Minister of State for Advanced Technology. “The pandemic has turned 2020 into a transformational year in various aspects of society, and the recognition of women in fields of science is as vital as ever in the drive to remove gender biases across the industry,” HE Sarah said in a release.

HE Sarah added, “The increase in representation of women in science over the past decade is a testament to the changing perspectives of society and remarkable progress for the Arab community. I wish the talents of 2020 success as they work towards answering some of the most challenging scientific problems of the world.”

Mina Al Ani, UAE

 The regional program is part of L’Oréal-UNESCO’s global initiative that has recognized over 3,400 groundbreaking researchers since its inception 22 years ago. The L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Middle East Regional Young Talents Program is based on the notion that the world needs science, and science needs women. Congratulations to the winners!

Cover image: Asrar Damdam, KSA; Images courtesy of the brand