Aysha AlShehhi Of Dubai Future Labs Receives 2025 L’Oreal-UNESCO For Women In Science Award

Aysha AlShehhi, a PhD candidate in Engineering with a focus on Robotics at Khalifa University, has been honoured by the Dubai Future Foundation (DFF). She received the 2025 L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Middle East Regional Young Talents award. This programme acknowledges exceptional young women from the Middle East who are making significant strides in scientific research.

The initiative, which began in 1998, has supported over 4,400 female researchers across more than 140 countries. It aims to boost women's involvement in STEM fields by celebrating their achievements and funding projects that contribute to scientific advancement. The programme also supports their academic pursuits.

The 2025 awards ceremony was held at the Museum of the Future in Dubai. Six women from the GCC region were recognised for their contributions to science. An international jury of leading experts selected the winners, highlighting the global recognition of their work.

Aysha AlShehhi expressed her gratitude for the award, stating, "This global initiative is motivating affirmation of the importance of pursuing science and continuous learning. It highlights the essential role women play across science and research fields, and how their contributions enhance the quality of life for communities around the world."

At Dubai Future Labs (DFL), Aysha is involved in developing advanced robotic systems. Her passion for robotics was sparked during her undergraduate studies when she interned at Italy's BioRobotics Institute. This experience solidified her interest and led her to pursue further research through a PhD.

While pursuing her Master’s degree, Aysha joined DFL as an intern, contributing to applied robotics projects. This experience reinforced her dedication to robotics and guided her decision to continue her research journey.

The L’Oréal-UNESCO programme not only recognises these achievements but also aims to inspire more women to enter STEM fields. By supporting young talents like Aysha AlShehhi, it seeks to foster a more inclusive scientific community that benefits society globally.

With inputs from WAM