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In a powerful celebration of scientific excellence, the Fondation L’Oréal and UNESCO have unveiled the 2025 laureates of the For Women in Science Young Talents Sub-Saharan Africa Awards. This year’s cohort of 30 exceptional researchers from 18 countries underscores the rising recognition of African women scientists whose work is pivotal to solving both local and global challenges.
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Selected from over 550 applicants by a jury chaired by esteemed chemist Professor Priscilla Baker, the laureates—25 PhD candidates and 5 postdoctoral fellows—are recognized for groundbreaking research in life sciences, engineering, environmental science, and technology.
Addressing Global Challenges from an African Vanguard
The awards highlight how African women scientists are at the forefront of critical global issue areas. Their research is directly contributing to:
- Global Health: Developing new cancer treatments and public health strategies.
- Food Security: Using genomic data to create disease-resistant, drought-tolerant, and nutrient-enhanced staple crops like cassava.
- Sustainable Development & Digital Transformation: Pioneering innovations in material science and technology for inclusive growth.
These scientists represent a vanguard whose local insights and innovations have far-reaching implications, positioning Africa as a key contributor to the global scientific community.
Progress and Persistence: The Landscape for Women in African Science
The awards come amid measurable, though uneven, progress toward gender parity in African research. Countries like Kenya have increased their share of women researchers by 12 percentage points in a decade, while women now represent the majority of graduates in nations like Namibia and South Africa.
However, with women still constituting only one in three researchers in Sub-Saharan Africa, initiatives like these awards remain crucial. They provide not only vital funding (grants of €10,000-€15,000) but also leadership training and access to a powerful global network of over 4,700 scientists.
Building a Legacy: A Growing Community of Leaders
For over 15 years, the programme has nurtured a dynamic community of more than 270 African women scientists from 35 countries.
“We believe the future of science in Sub‑Saharan Africa relies on recognizing and supporting women scientists. These awards showcase women who are pioneering sustainable change and delivering solutions for Africa and the world,” said Pauline Avenel‑Lam, Executive Director of the Fondation L’Oréal.
By investing in this generation, the awards are breaking the glass ceiling and actively shaping a more inclusive, impactful, and recognized future for science, with Africa’s women leading the way.
“By celebrating these remarkable young researchers, we reaffirm our commitment to their success and to Africa’s sustainable and equitable future,” Lidia Brito, UNESCO’s Assistant Director-General for Natural Sciences added.
