The 12 honorees represent a diverse cohort tackling some of the region’s most important scientific challenges.
The L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Middle East Regional Young Talents Program has marked its 12th edition by honoring twelve Arab female researchers whose work spans climate resilience, cardiovascular science, aerospace robotics, food security, and autism research. The regional initiative, held this year in partnership with Khalifa University, continues its mission to elevate women driving scientific breakthroughs across the Arab world.
Since its global inception in 1998, the L’Oréal-UNESCO program has celebrated more than 4,700 women across 140 countries, including 63 researchers from the GCC who have received AED 3.8 million in endowments. Despite progress, UNESCO data shows women still represent only one-third of the world’s research community, underscoring the need for platforms that champion gender balance in STEM fields.
Her Excellency Sarah Al Amiri, UAE Minister of Education, praised the program’s long-standing role in supporting women’s advancement in science. “Supporting women scientists is not just about recognition — it is about unlocking the full potential of our region’s human capital and ensuring that science continues to serve as a driver of societal advancement,” she said.
Laurent Duffier, Managing Director of L’Oréal Middle East, highlighted the program’s global and regional impact. “Empowering women in science is not just a moral imperative; it is a catalyst for transformative change,” he said.
Academic leaders also emphasized the initiative’s contribution to national innovation agendas. Prof. Ebrahim Al Hajri, President of Khalifa University, noted that women researchers are shaping fields from clean energy and sustainability to space science and artificial intelligence.
The 12 honorees represent a diverse cohort tackling some of the region’s most important scientific challenges. Their work aligns with GCC national priorities around knowledge economies, technological advancement, and sustainable development.
