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Young Women Scientists become First Awardees of the L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Young Talents Caribbean Region Programme
“The world needs science and science needs women”.
The first ever L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Young Talents Caribbean Awards Ceremony was held on Friday, November 24, 2023, at the University of the West Indies, Faculty of Engineering, St. Augustine Campus in Trinidad and Tobago during the 23rd Biennial Conference and General Meeting 2023 of the Caribbean Academy of Sciences.
During this inaugural programme, Dr Sarah Buckland, Jamaica and Ms. Sunshine De Caires, Trinidad and Tobago were announced as the recipients of the prestigious award.
Nature lover with a passion for Geography
Sarah Buckland, Ph.D.’s current research on climate change at the University of West Indies, Mona in Jamaica, focuses on microclimatic comparisons and its effects seen in agriculture, with special interest in seasonal climate patterns to manage risks during dry seasons, like the 2014-2015 droughts in Jamaica.
Fascinated by the effects of the microworld on our world
On the other hand, Sunshine De Caires, MSc’s research on environmental science and agriculture in the face of climate change at the University of West Indies, St. Augustine in Trinidad focuses on understanding and predicting the effects climate change has on the soil quality in the Caribbean, while also contributing to sustainable land management, a necessary component in the preservation of precious ecosystems in the region.
We are delighted to showcase this inaugural class of FWIS awardees, who will undoubtedly carry on this legacy, complete groundbreaking research and inspire others to impact the world through their game-changing science.
Poised to make significant contributions regionally and globally in their scientific fields, the award positions these two young scientists as trailblazers, inspiration and as role models for the next generation of girls and young women in Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago and the world.
Our joint global initiative, the For Women in Science programme, has not only significantly contributed to fostering a more inclusive environment for women in scientific careers, but it has also catalyzed a broader societal transformation among institutions, partners, public authorities, and the scientific and academic community. This has fostered a genuine cultural shift which is so critical to sustainable development.
Beyond the cultural shift, the programme represents strengthened partnership, and the continued support of Caribbean women scientists. Building on this momentum, the collaboration between L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women In Science Programme, UNESCO Office for the Caribbean, L’Oréal Caribe, and the Caribbean Academy of Sciences (CAS) is a noteworthy stride. Professor Raymond Jagessar, President of CAS, emphasizes our shared commitment to the enduring empowerment of women scientists in the Caribbean region.
The collaboration between L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women In Science Programme, represented by UNESCO Office for the Caribbean and L’Oréal Caribe, and the Caribbean Academy of Sciences (CAS) marks a positive step towards sustained support for this well needed programme. Our working together signifies a commitment to the long-term empowerment of women scientists in the region.
The Young Talents Caribbean Region L'Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science (FWIS) program is a partnership between the UNESCO Office for the Caribbean and L’Oréal Caribe, with the support of the Caribbean Academy of Sciences – which seeks to connect the dots between Caribbean development challenges, scientific research, and female empowerment by recognizing and honoring two young scientists with an endowment to further develop their scientific endeavors.
In the Caribbean the programme spans 24 islands in the region. With peer review and jury deliberation by members from the Caribbean Academy of Sciences, the candidates were evaluated based on their intellectual merit, research potential, scientific excellence, and their commitment to supporting women and girls in science. The Young Talents Caribbean Region FWIS programme stands as the 53rd installment of the L’Oréal UNESCO For Women in Science program globally. The Progamme exemplifies a commitment to recognize and empower exceptional women in the Caribbean, fostering a culture of scientific excellence and openness.
