L’Oréal USA has announced the five female postdoctoral scientists it will be awarding grants to as part of its For Women in Science (FWIS) program.
The five awardees will receive US$75,000 each in funding to further research projects, in addition to mentoring and networking opportunities as the company champions the next generation of women scientists.
"For more than two decades, L'Oréal USA's For Women in Science program has invested in exceptional researchers whose work advances scientific knowledge and creates meaningful solutions for our world," said Marissa McGowan, Chief Sustainability Officer for L'Oréal North America.
"Our commitment goes beyond funding research – we are investing in career development, mentorship, and community that unlock the full potential of women in science.
“This year’s awardees are not just advancing their fields – they are opening doors for the next generation and redefining leadership.
“That is value that compounds over time, creating opportunity that extends far beyond any single grant or award."
First launched in the US in 2003, the program has supported over 105 women scientists and awarded over $5.3m in grants.
Recipients of the grants will be honoured in an awards ceremony on 13 November in New York City, USA.
Meet the winners of L’Oréal USA’s For Women in Science program
Dr Rebecka J. Sepela specialises in research into the intricate ways molecules from the natural world interact with animal chemical receptors. Sepela’s research explores how these interactions influence animal psychology and behaviour, with an end goal to create “a body of knowledge about animal-microbe interactions that can be manipulated for the greater benefit of society”.
Dr Kaitlyn A. Webster is researching topics in reproductive biology through studies of the Mexican Tetra – also known as the ‘blind cave fish’ – which is rapidly evolving. Her studies set out to “uncover the factors that mediate successful sperm-egg fusion and embryogenesis, which may also help us understand the emergence of new species”.
Dr Georgia Squyres researches bacterial communities with a special focus on biofilms, using advanced microscopy to observe, study and understand their functions. This research could go on to save tens to hundreds of thousands of lives through the control of bacterial biofilms, in addition to uncovering a deeper understanding of the planet and developing new methods for agriculture and industry.
Dr Kaveeta Kaw utilises 3D bioprinting to model and understand a severe lung disease; pulmonary arterial hypertension. Kaw’s work creates patient-specific models that accurately reflect the individual differences in pulmonary vascular disease. Her research aims to accelerate the discovery of new treatments and improve patient outcomes by tailoring therapies.
Dr Sydney Aten sets out to understand the body’s internal clock, known as circadian rhythms. Aten’s research is specifically targeting female core body temperature, researching how it affects fertility and challenges posed by working night-shifts. She aims to support women working night shifts through actionable strategies to align their biological clocks, in addition to laying a foundation for utilising body temperature as an insightful tool to better comprehend, monitor, and understand female fertility across diverse populations.
What is the L’Oréal UNESCO For Women in Science International program?
The FWIS International program supports and raises the profile of women researchers and scientists.
First launched 27 years ago, the program has since impacted more than 4,700 women in the field from across 140 countries, rewarding scientific excellence and inspiring younger generations of women to pursue science as a career.
The program rewards all major areas of life and environmental science as well as material science, and was extended to mathematics and computer science in 2019 to promote gender-equal solutions for the digital transition.
The Fondation L’Oréal supports and accompanies these Laureates and Young Talents through research endowments, networking opportunities and leadership training to break the glass ceiling.