Translated with DeepL
The programme is a joint initiative of L'Oréal Switzerland, the Swiss Commission for UNESCO and the SATW. The motto of the programme is "The world needs science - and science needs women" and it was launched in Switzerland for the first time this year. Each award winner receives a grant of 25,000 Swiss francs to continue her research.
Expertise: Plant Immunology and Microbiology
Dr Jana Ordon researches how plants recognise microbes and interact with them, combining genetic, molecular and biochemical approaches. To do this, she closely analyses the processes in the plants' genes and cells. In this way, she finds out which defence mechanisms plants use to stay healthy. Her findings help to make plants more robust and agriculture more sustainable.
Specialism: Neurosciences
Dr Giulia Santoni researches how the human brain develops and why it fails in disease. By further developing 3D brain models from human cells that more closely resemble the adult brain, she hopes to develop personalised therapies for neurological diseases.
Expertise: Geodesy and Glaciology
Dr Annelies Voordendag combines advanced geodetic methods with glaciological field research to precisely monitor glaciers and their response to climate. She uses an innovative marker on the glacier surface - the so-called "ice slider" - which can be tracked with a terrestrial long-range laser scanning system to analyse the movement of glaciers.
Field: Astrophysics and galaxy research
Dr Mengyuan Xiao investigates the origins of ultra-compact galaxies in the early universe. As the leader of major JWST and ALMA telescope programmes, including a Nature study, her work reveals unexpectedly rapid star formation and provides important insights into galaxy formation in the cosmic dawn.
We are firmly convinced that Switzerland, as a global leader in innovation, science and research, offers the ideal platform to drive forward the decisive development of women in these areas.
Claire Dieudonné, Country Coordinator & Market Director Consumer Goods, L'Oréal Switzerland
The Swiss L'Oréal-UNESCO initiative 'For Women in Science' not only celebrates outstanding scientific achievements, but also strengthens the framework conditions that enable equal access and opportunities for women in the scientific community.
Prof Thomas Zeltner, President of the Swiss Commission for UNESCO and Gabriela Tejada, Vice-President of the Swiss Commission for UNESCO
Women bring perspectives and creativity that are essential for overcoming today's complex challenges.
Benoît Dubuis, President SATWSince 1998, Fondation L'Oréal and UNESCO have been supporting outstanding female researchers worldwide with the For Women in Science programme. Since then, over 4400 female scientists from more than 110 countries have been honoured, including seven Nobel Prize winners.
With the launch of the Swiss edition, organised in collaboration with the Swiss Academy of Engineering Sciences SATW, female researchers in Switzerland are now also receiving targeted support. The programme helps to make scientific excellence visible and to promote equal opportunities in research and technology in the long term.
