DUBAI, 21 September / WAM / The L’Oréal-UNESCO Middle East Regional Program for Emerging Women Researchers for Women in Science, in collaboration with Khalifa University of Science and Technology, celebrated a decade of promoting female researchers in the Gulf Cooperation Council countries. Although the fields of life sciences, physics, mathematics and computer science are making their way… the challenges are to contribute to stimulating scientific innovation in the region.

This happened during a ceremony in Dubai in the presence of His Excellency Sarah Bint Youssef Al Amiri, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the UAE Space Agency and Minister of Public Education and Advanced Technology. 11 female researchers from Gulf Cooperation Council countries with insightful forward-looking perspectives, appreciation and support for their critical role in advancing… knowledge and finding solutions to pressing global issues.

Since the program was established in the Gulf Cooperation Council countries in 2014, and over the past five years, with the support of His Highness Sarah Bint Youssef Al Amiri, it has achieved great achievements in the field of scientific sponsorship and promotion. The efforts of 51 Arab women researchers have been awarded grants worth 3.4 million UAE dirhams to support their development.

The list of winners also includes many women researchers who have received global recognition, five of whom won the Global Rising Talent Awards and four received the Global L’Oréal-UNESCO Award for Women in Science.

Launched in 1998, the program has honored more than 4,100 prominent women researchers in more than 110 countries and 127 global award winners in past sessions.

During her speech at the ceremony, Her Excellency Sarah Bint Youssef Al Amiri said: “The outstanding achievements and dedication of women scientists have paved the way for progress in various fields in the region, and their achievements have impacted everything from health care. and technology for environmental sustainability and space exploration… Initiatives like ‘L’Oréal- “UNESCO” empower women who are bringing radical change in their fields and encourage more women to choose careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. These initiatives are a way towards diversity. They provide a necessary foundation in our quest for scientific progress, innovation and a more inclusive society.”

Although science, technology, engineering and mathematics are considered important to the national economy, most countries, regardless of their level of development, have not achieved gender equality in these fields. At the end of the 1990s, women represented 27% of researchers worldwide. The percentage has increased to 30% in 2014. In addition, although there is a gradual increase in the number of women pursuing scientific careers, their representation in the research sector is still insufficient.

Laurent Duvet, Managing Director of L’Oréal Middle East, said: “The L’Oréal-UNESCO for Women in Science program is a testament to the exceptional talent, thinking and commitment of women scientists in the Gulf Cooperation Council countries. 10 years ago… and through its efforts , strengthened efforts aimed at achieving equality.” highlighted gender differences in careers in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics and their valuable contributions and cutting-edge research. Moving forward into the next decade and beyond, we will continue our efforts to more closely represent and support the dreams of our young female researchers and break down barriers that still exist.

On his part, the Executive Vice President of Khalifa University of Science and Technology, Dr. Arif Sultan Al Hammadi said: “We are proud of our partnership with the Women in Science Program at L’Oréal-UNESCO for the fifth year in a row that has succeeded in providing equal opportunities for women researchers in the region over the last decade. Role is a comprehensive and necessary role. We will continue to provide relevant opportunities for the development and support of women on a daily basis through scientific progress, technological innovation and social development, which will lead to prosperity, security and well-being in the region in the long term.

In turn, Dr. Tamara El-Sein, President of the newly appointed Jury and Secretary General of the National Scientific Research Council in Lebanon, said: “Throughout history, women researchers have been underrepresented, but they remain absent and invisible. Today, we still have many obstacles to overcome to shed light. . “For their pioneering work and their contribution to the field of scientific research, which is indispensable on the path of scientific progress. Programs such as the ‘L’Oréal-UNESCO Women in Science Program’ are essential to address systemic gender bias by elevating the status of women researchers and supporting their careers. Comprehensive nature of scientific approaches , allowing the creation of an integrated scientific community that can translate scientific progress into social progress.