L’Oreal has honoured five scientists for their pioneering contributions to physical sciences, mathematics and computer science.
The winners of the 2025 L’Oréal–Unesco For Women in Science International Awards will be recognised at an event at Unesco headquarters in Paris on 12 June.
“Whittled down from 466 nominees, the laureates “embody the profound impact of women in science by conducting outstanding research, advancing our understanding of the world, tackling global challenges and inspiring future generations, particularly young women, to push the boundaries of knowledge and innovation,” said L’Oréal–Unesco in a statement.
“Their work is driving scientific progress in areas such as real-time health monitoring, data security, green energy, the fundamental understanding of the universe, and air pollution — breakthroughs with the potential to revolutionise technology, strengthen global resilience, and improve quality of life.”
The annual awards, which are in their 27th year, aim to elevate women's contributions to science and technology.
According to Unesco data, women only account for just one in three researchers globally.
A panel of judges who picked the winners was chaired by Professor Artur Ávila, Professor at the Institute of Mathematics University of Zurich in Switzerland, Extraordinary Researcher at Instituto de Mathematica Pura e Aplicada in Brazil and a Fields Medal winner in 2014.
Over the years, the initiative has supported more than 4,700 women, 137 of them laureates of the international awards, seven of whom have received a Nobel Prize in science.
“In a world facing unprecedented challenges – climate change, health crises, digital security – science is more essential than ever. And at the heart of this urgency, we need women” said Pauline Avenel-Lam, Executive Director of the Fondation L’Oréal.
“For 27 years, the L’Oréal-Unesco For Women in Science program has supported talented women who contribute to solving the greatest challenges of our time.
“By honoring the 2025 laureates, we recognize their contribution to scientific progress and their crucial role in meeting the challenges of tomorrow.”
Professor Priscilla Baker
Priscilla Baker, Professor of Chemistry at the University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa, has been awarded for her outstanding contribution in the field of highly sensitive electrochemical microsensors.
These detect contaminants in the environment, with applications in pharmaceuticals, food, health and energy.
Her dedication as a mentor in analytical electrochemistry has empowered students and early-career scientists to undertake innovative research projects in this field, L’Oréal-Unesco said.
Professor Xiaoyun Wang
Xiaoyun Wang, a professor in applied mathematics and holds the Chen-Ning Yang Professorship at the Institute for Advanced Study, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China, was awarded for her significant contribution to cryptography and cryptographic mathematics – something that is critical for secure data communication and storage.
“Her breakthrough work showed essential flaws in hash functions, which are widely used in communication protocols and led to the invention of the new hash function standards,” the organisation said.
“Today, these standards are used for bank cards, computer passwords, and e-commerce.
“The visibility of her revolutionary work has encouraged many female students to pursue a research career in mathematics and network security.”
Professor Claudia Felser
Professor Claudia Felser, Condensed Matter Physics Director and Scientific Member, Max Planck Institute for Chemical Physics of Solids, Dresden, Germany, was chosen for her pioneering work at the crossroads of physics, mathematics and chemistry.
This led to the discovery and creation of new magnetic materials with promising applications for future green energy technologies.
“Her visionary approach has paved the way for the new field of ‘topological quantum chemistry’ and sparked a revolution in the field of relativistic matter,” said L’Oréal-Unesco.
“Her outstanding dedication and impact have built a bridge from fundamental science to real-world challenges in data storage and green energy technologies.
“She is a leading figure in communicating the relevance of science to the public, including by encouraging and mentoring young generations, especially women, to pursue a career in science.”
Professor María Teresa Dova
María Teresa Dova is Particle and Fields Physics Professor at Physics Department, Faculty of Exact Sciences, National University of La Plata, and Senior Researcher at the National Scientific and Technical Research Council (CONICET), La Plata, Argentina.
The panel of judges recognised her key contributions to high energy physics, including the discovery and characterisation of the Higgs boson, the search for new physics and her work in the study of cosmic ray physics.
Her leadership in the field and her exceptional dedication to mentoring young scientists have inspired a new generation and led Argentina to play a major role in experimental physics worldwide, the organisation said.
Professor Barbara Finlayson-Pitts
Barbara Finlayson-Pitts is Environmental Science Distinguished Professor Emerita, Chemistry Department and Founder/Co-Director, Atmospheric Integrated Research Institute, University of California, Irvine, United States of America.
Rewarded for her groundbreaking research revealing new processes in the formation of air pollution as photochemical smog, she established the molecular basis of reactions at the interfaces between the atmosphere and airborne particles.
Her unique ability to translate fundamental findings into real-life applications has led to seminal contributions to public policy and regulations on atmospheric chemistry, ultimately improving air quality, said L’Oréal-Unseco.
They added that her enthusiasm made her a passionate and remarkable professor and mentor.