Minister Of Education Celebrates 12 Arab Female Researchers For Their Scientific Contributions

During a global event in Dubai, Sarah bint Yousif Al Amiri, Minister of Education, honoured Arab female researchers for their significant scientific contributions. This ceremony was part of the L’Oréal-UNESCO "For Women in Science" Middle East Regional Young Talents Programme, in collaboration with Khalifa University. The event celebrated 12 Arab researchers reshaping the region's scientific landscape.

The programme serves as a robust platform for empowering women and enhancing their role in science. Al Amiri highlighted its importance not only for individual excellence but also for fostering societies that value innovation and knowledge. Female researchers are seen as pivotal to sustainable development and scientific advancement in the Middle East.

Since its inception in 1998, the programme has honoured over 4,700 researchers and 140 award-winning scientists from more than 140 countries. Among them are 63 Gulf region researchers who have received AED3.8 million to support their projects. Despite these efforts, UNESCO data shows women still constitute only one-third of researchers globally, underscoring the need for greater inclusion.

The initiative supports research across various fields like science, engineering, technology, and mathematics. It aims to develop solutions to pressing issues while inspiring future generations to pursue scientific research careers. The programme's impact is evident in its support for diverse projects addressing space robotics, climate change, sustainable agriculture, chronic diseases, and autism spectrum disorder.

Laurent Duffier, Managing Director of L’Oréal Middle East, emphasised that over the past 12 years, the programme has amplified women's voices in science and highlighted innovations benefiting society. He stated that empowering female researchers is crucial not only as a moral value but also as a driver of scientific and economic progress.

Salah Khaled from UNESCO's Doha office stressed the organisation's long-standing support for women in scientific research. He noted that their contributions are vital to the innovation ecosystem. Professor Ebrahim Al Hajri of Khalifa University echoed this sentiment by affirming that the programme promotes equal opportunities and empowers female researchers working on innovations in sustainable energy, health, space exploration, and artificial intelligence.

A New Model of Leadership

This year's jury was chaired by Professor Marie Abboud and included distinguished Arab women scientists from top academic institutions across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Jordan, and Lebanon. Abboud remarked that this recognition is more than just celebrating achievements; it confirms that scientific acknowledgment can pave new paths for women to lead future scientific endeavours in the region.

The young researchers' projects demonstrate remarkable depth and diversity within scientific research fields. They highlight a new model of female leadership in science within the Arab world by tackling critical topics such as climate change and chronic disease science.

The ceremony underscored ongoing efforts to support women scientists who play an integral role in advancing knowledge and serving humanity through their work. This initiative continues to inspire new generations while addressing urgent global challenges through innovative solutions.

With inputs from WAM