Exceptional Women Scientists Around the World

10.11.2015 - Each year, five exceptional women scientists from around the world – one from each region - receive the L’ORÉAL-UNESCO Prize in Physical Sciences.

One previous recipient of the prize is Francisca Okeke, Professor of Physics at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, who uses her position to encourage and inspire young women scientists in Nigeria. At her University, she became the first female Dean in the Faculty of Physical Sciences.

This year’s candidates represent a diverse group of women, all of whom have contributed toovercoming the global challenges of tomorrow.  They are a shining example not only of what women can achieve in the Physical Sciences, but of women’s achievements in general. These researchers will have a major impact on society and lay the foundations for the future.

Capacity in science and technology is a key element in economic and social development. According to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), one of the most pressing matters on their list is “the global outreach to the younger generation, as the steady decline of enrolment of young people in science is cause for concern”. 

10 November, UNESCO marks the World Science Day for Peace and Development. The purpose of the day is to stress the responsible use of science for the benefit of society, to raise public awareness of the importance of science, and to bridge the gap between science and societies.

For this purpose, UNESCO has launched the World Library of Science to make scientific concepts easy to understand -- a free online resource for science learning, which contains hundreds of peer-reviewed articles, using text, pictures, illustrations and videos.

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UNRIC’s Related Links:

•   World Science Day for Peace and Development

•   World Library of Science

•   L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science

Photo Credits:

•   Cover Photo: UN Photo / UNESCO

•   Photo 2:  Richard Nyberg/USAID