Article
L'Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Young Talents France awards 35 female researchers
By granting research endowments (€15,000 for PhD students and €20,000 for postdoctoral researchers) and supporting them through a leadership training programme, UNESCO, Fondation L'Oréal, and partners reaffirm their unwavering commitment to a more inclusive science and the crucial contributions of women to its advancement.
In terms of disciplines, among the 35 Young Talents, 54% conduct research in life and environmental sciences, 29% in physical sciences, 14% in formal sciences, and 3% in engineering and technology.
The ceremony took place at Institut de France in Paris on 9 October.
Women still largely underrepresented in scientific doctorates today
This award is particularly important considering the current situation in academia. "Women remain significantly underrepresented in scientific doctorates, a reality that conceals various disparities. The gap is particularly pronounced in fields like mathematics and physics, where deeply ingrained stereotypes and the negative impact of the 2019 high school reform have further exacerbated the issue. We must break down these barriers and inspire young girls to embrace these disciplines from an early age. The French Academy of Sciences is proud to partner with the , which plays a crucial role in addressing this challenge," said Alain Fischer, President of the French Academy of Sciences and President of the Jury for the 2024 Young Talents France Programme.
One step closer to inclusive and representative research
As part of the broader ³¢â€™O°ùé²¹±ô-±«±··¡³§°ä°¿ For Women in Science partnership, which has supported since 1998 over 4,400 female researchers worldwide, the Young Talents France Programme - run in partnership with the French Academy of Sciences and the French National Commission for UNESCO - embodies a shared vision by UNESCO and the Fondation L’Oréal of a future where women scientists play a key role in solving major challenges such as climate change and global health. By encouraging young women to pursue scientific careers and seeking to inspire future generations showing them the excellence of women's contributions to the field, both Organizations are taking a step toward inclusive and representative research.