International Women’s Day: science's talents celebrated on AthenaWeb

8 March 2010

Together with the L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science programme AthenaWeb would like to take the opportunity of this International Women’s Day to celebrate the major contributions of women scientists by featuring the videos of the five laureates of the 2010 For Women In Science awards.

For the past twelve years, L’Oréal and UNESCO have taken the initiative to bring together women whose research contributes to changing the world. These top-ranking scientists embrace global challenges ranging from health and the environment to social actions, and represent the key to the future.

"Through its Awards, the partnership highlights women of excellence and creates role models for young women around the world. This is brilliantly illustrated by our two Laureates who were awarded Nobel Prizes this year." says Irina Bokova, Director-General of UNESCO. "Through international and national scholarships, the programme also encourages young women on all continents to pursue scientific careers and make their dreams come true. This partnership promotes not only women. By highlighting the role women must play in scientific research, the programme emphasises the importance of science as a source of progress."

Recently, Professors Elizabeth Blackburn and Ada Yonath, both 2008 Laureates of the L’Oréal-UNESCO Awards For Women in Science, were awarded the Nobel Prize, in Medicine and Chemistry respectively. Recognition of the scientific excellence of these women by such a prestigious institution provides enormous encouragement for the future of the L’Oréal Foundation and UNESCO partnership.

Watch the 2010 Laureates’ videos on AthenaWeb: http://www.athenaweb.org/programs/index.php?search_keywords=FWS&go.x=10&go.y=6&go=Search&searchIn=search_videos&page=list&results=100000&type=and&search=1

More information on the 2010 For Women in Science Laureates: http://www.agora.forwomeninscience.com/

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