The Fondation L’Oréal and UNESCO have unveiled the 30 winners of the 15th edition of L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Young Talents Sub-Saharan Africa Awards. The awards celebrate and support African women scientists for the quality of their scientific research.
This year, 25 PhD candidates and 5 post-doctoral researchers from 15 African countries were rewarded for their innovative work and commitment to addressing major scientific challenges threatening the continent such as food security, public health, and the impact of climate change.
These trailblazers in science were selected among nearly 800 applications by a jury chaired by Professor Aggrey AMBALI, Head of Technical Cooperation and Program Financing at the African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD).
The award ceremony took place in Cotonou, Benin, on December 10th, 2024, with the presence of government representatives of Benin. The ceremony will also mark the celebration of the 15th anniversary of the L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Young Talents Sub-Saharan Africa program.
“The challenges awaiting the world and the African continent are significant. Yet, we are merely at their threshold. To address those challenges, we need science more than ever; however, women who wish to pursue scientific careers are battling headwinds of obstacles while they can bring adapted perspectives, boundless innovative capabilities, and unwavering commitment to everyone’s development. Herein lies the reason why we have been supporting women scientists in Sub-Saharan Africa for 15 years, alongside with UNESCO, to help them develop their leadership and design a more inclusive future. Much ground remains to be covered, and our efforts must remain steadfast,” stated Alexandra Palt, Vice President of the Fondation L’Oréal.
According to Lidia Brito, UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Natural Sciences, “one of the greatest strengths and potential of the African continent is youth. For young people, science presents a unique opportunity. It addresses their needs by fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and essential skills development. Science-based education and training programmes equip youth with the tools necessary to thrive in a rapidly evolving world. By investing in science and championing innovation, African societies can empower the next generation to drive economic growth, create jobs, and tackle pressing environmental challenges. UNESCO is committed to working alongside its partners to support this shared vision and unlock the continent’s full potential.”
Ever since its creation, L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Young Talents Sub-Saharan Africa program has recognized 240 young researchers from more than 34 African countries and received over 4,000 applications. These scientists have benefited from financial support, including research grants of €10,000 for PhD candidates and €15,000 for post-doctoral researchers, along with trainings in leadership, communication, and negotiation to better respond to sexism, as an example among others.
“For Women in Science award has significantly advanced my personal and professional growth. It boosted my confidence and my sense of belonging to a global community of women scientists. It also paved the way to foster new collaborations and enhanced my leadership skills, encouraging me to take on new challenges. From the moment I received this award, I am very proud to have been appointed as a member of the team elaborating the 2050 Vision for Tanzania’s development. This is a unique opportunity to apply my expertise in artificial intelligence and education to national development and inspire more young women to see the difference they can make in science,” mentioned Dr. Neema Mduma, a Tanzanian researcher who received the For Women in Science Young Talents Sub-Saharan Africa Award in 2020.
The full list of winners is below:
- Hilja Eelu (Namibia): “Enhancing the elimination of malaria in Namibia”
- Bakang Kedumetse Kgasudi (Botswana): “Creating more productive crops in Botswana”
- Tendai Abgirl Makore (Zimbabwe): “Improving food and nutrition security in Zimbabwe and Africa”
- Natasha Onalenna Moraka (Botswana): “Towards eliminating HIV in Botswana and beyond”
- Pamela Ncube (Zimbabwe): “Taking a novel approach to detecting animal tuberculosis”
- Wellile Nwamba (Eswatini): “Improving detection of tuberculosis outside the lungs”
- Matrona Akiso (Kenya): “Providing insights to help develop an HIV vaccine for women”
- Lexy Andati (Kenya): “Exploring distant radio galaxies”
- Melat Cherenet (Ethiopia): “Exploring the benefits of medicinal plants in treating illness”
- Kidan Gebreegziabher Gebremariam (Ethiopia): “Advancing the performance of organic solar cells”
- Ellasy Gulule Chimimba (Malawi): “Empowering farmers to build climate resilience in Malawi”
- Marie Andrea Laetitia Huët (Mauritius): “Developing innovative biodegradable wound dressings in Mauritius”
- Ruth Lorivi Moirana (Tanzania): “Improving soil health and raising agricultural productivity”
- Irene Nandutu (Uganda): “Harnessing artificial intelligence to investigate child brain health in Sub-Saharan Africa”
- Happyness Ngonyani (Tanzania): “Promoting equal access to water in Tanzania”
- Victoria Ngugi (Kenya): “Exploring the role of aging in heart disease”
- Mbithe Nzomo (Kenya): “Harnessing artificial Intelligence to improve patient outcomes”
- Sambatriniaina Rajohnson (Madagascar): “Revealing how unexplored galaxies impact the universe”
- Sarobidy Rakotonarivo (Madagascar): “Empowering smallholder farmers and protecting biodiversity in Madagascar”
- Jacquellyn Ssanyu (Uganda): “Aiming at reducing teenage pregnancies in Uganda”
- Marie-Marthe Chabi (Benin): “Improving quality of life among diabetes patients”
- Juliet Edekor (Ghana): “Conserving marine and freshwater fish in Ghana”
- Joyce Etura (Nigeria): “Enhancing maternal health in Nigeria”
- Mary Idowu (Nigeria): “Harnessing urban growth and climate insights to build farmers’ resilience”
- Caroline Rosemyya Kwawu (Ghana): “Turning sunlight into fuel: towards sustainable energy solutions”
- Elisabeth Amelie Gladys Ngono (Cameroon): “Preventing the spread of river blindness”
- Opeyemi Ojueromi (Nigeria): “Fighting malaria using natural products”
- Blessing Enyojo Olagunju (Nigeria): “Innovating to improve water quality in Nigeria”
- Magdalene Udobi (Nigeria): “Contributing to a better understanding of breast cancer”
- Loukaiya Zorobouragui (Benin): “Empowering rural communities to improve food security”