The For Women in Science awards 2024 recognized eight Mexican female scientists for their innovative research, providing them with financial support. The initiative, presented by L’Oréal, UNESCO, and the Mexican Academy of Sciences, includes categories for emerging talents and consolidated careers. This year marks a 20% increase in funding, reflecting a commitment to advancing women in science and bridging the persistent gender gap.
In a notable ceremony at the Centro Cultural Helénico, L’Oréal Group, UNESCO, and the Mexican Academy of Sciences came together to celebrate excellence in science, honoring eight Mexican women with the For Women in Science awards for 2024. These awards, which span various fields from health to engineering, aim not just to recognize talent but to provide significant financial support for crucial research projects aimed at solving challenges both locally and globally. This year, the financial backing was boosted by 20%, underscoring the commitment to support women in the sciences.
The awards are divided into two distinct categories. The “Emerging Talents” category focuses on nurturing postdoctoral projects led by women, granting scholarships to aid their scientific journeys. Meanwhile, the “Consolidated Careers” category highlights established women scientists who have built impressive legacies in their research fields. The distinction is clear, but both categories aim to elevate the role of women in the scientific community, a much-needed step given the historical gender imbalances in this area.
Under the Consolidated Careers category, notable winners include Tatiana Klimova Berestneva from the National Autonomous University of Mexico, recognized for her work in Exact Sciences, as well as María Cristina Rodríguez Padilla and Refugio Rodríguez Vázquez, who are making strides in Natural Sciences and Engineering, respectively.
Emerging Talents, meanwhile, showcased groundbreaking projects such as Alma Saraí Hernández Torres’s research on phase transitions in discrete stochastic systems, and Brenda Anabel López Ruiz’s study on climate resilience in cacti – evidence that innovative ideas are flourishing in Mexican science. Other notable mentions are Reyna Berenice González González, working on pathogen detection in water, Laura Lucila Gómez Romero, who is developing techniques for breast cancer detection, and Karla Ximena Vargas Berrones, focusing on environmentally sustainable disinfectant solutions.
Deborah Armstrong, CEO of L’Oréal Group, shared an inspiring vision for the future, stating, “In L’Oréal, we believe in a future where gender equality is not a dream but a reality. Science is part of our DNA. I am proud that 69% of our scientists are women, and our women scientists have achieved 55% of the patents.” Her words encapsulate the ethos behind these awards, showing a blend of hope and a call to action in the ongoing fight for gender equality in science.
José Seade Kuri, President of the Mexican Academy of Sciences, echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing that recognizing female scientists is crucial for achieving parity in the field. He mentioned how celebrating these milestones not only motivates current researchers but also sparks interest in young girls, urging them to envision a world where science is inclusive and diverse.
Further echoing this message, UNESCO Representative in Mexico, Andrés Morales, highlighted the importance of encouraging young women to break barriers in science. “Inspiring young women is critical to breaking barriers and letting them be scientists,” he declared, noting the value of varied perspectives in enriching research, which can ultimately lead to innovative solutions for complex global problems.
Since 2007, the National Programme For Women in Science has been working to foster greater diversity and inclusion in this field, aiming to close the gender gap that continues to persist. It’s a long road ahead, but with ongoing support and recognition like this, there’s reason to hope for a more equitable future in science.
The For Women in Science awards honors Mexican female scientists for their vital contributions across various fields. The event celebrates emerging talents and established careers, providing financial support to foster further research and innovation. With pivotal leaders in organizations like L’Oréal and UNESCO advocating for gender equality, the initiative aims not only to empower women but also to inspire future generations to pursue careers in science, aiming to alleviate the gender gap that still exists in the field.
Original Source: www.unesco.org
