The Minister of Education honors 12 Arab female researchers for their role in enriching knowledge and serving humanity

Dubai, 26 November / WAM / Her Excellency Sarah bint Yousef Al Amiri, Minister of Education, honored a group of Arab female researchers for their distinguished scientific contributions and their role in enriching knowledge and serving humanity, during a global ceremony organized by the Emirate of Dubai within the Middle East Regional Program for Emerging Female Researchers, “L’Oréal UNESCO for Women in Science,” in partnership with Khalifa University of Science and Technology.

During the celebration, 12 visionary Arab researchers who are contributing to reshaping the scientific landscape in the region were celebrated.

During the ceremony, Her Excellency stressed that the program represents a solid platform for empowering women and enhancing their presence in science, not only at the level of individual excellence, but also by contributing to building societies that embrace innovation and knowledge and raise human capital in the Middle East region, considering female researchers a driving force for sustainable development and scientific progress.

The initiative highlights efforts to support scientific research in fields including science, engineering, technology and mathematics, which contributes to developing solutions to pressing issues that inspire new generations to enter the fields of scientific research.

Since its establishment in 1998, the program has succeeded in honoring more than 4,700 female researchers and 140 award-winning scientists from more than 140 countries, including 63 female researchers from the Gulf region who received 3.8 million dirhams to support their research projects. However, women still constitute only a third of researchers globally, according to UNESCO data, which reflects the need for greater inclusion and empowerment.

For his part, Laurent Duvier, Managing Director of L’Oréal Middle East, confirmed that the program has contributed over 12 years to highlighting the voice of women scientists and highlighting innovations that serve society and shape the future of science, noting that empowering female researchers is not only a moral value but also an essential lever for scientific and economic progress.

Salah Khaled, Director of the UNESCO Office in Doha, confirmed that the organization has always supported the presence of women in scientific research, based on the belief that their contributions form an integral part of the innovation and development system.

While His Excellency Professor Ibrahim Al Hajri, President of Khalifa University, confirmed that the program promotes equal opportunities and empowers female researchers who develop innovations that include sustainable energy, health, space and artificial intelligence.

The projects of young female researchers embody a remarkable depth and diversity in scientific research areas, as they address topics from space robotics and climate change to sustainable agriculture, chronic diseases and autism spectrum disorder, which reflects a new pattern of women’s scientific leadership in the Arab world.

This year’s jury was chaired by Professor Mary Abboud, who pointed out that the honor is not just a celebration of achievement, but rather an affirmation that recognition and scientific support are capable of opening new horizons for women to lead the future of science in the region.

The jury included an elite group of Arab women scientists from prestigious academic institutions in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Jordan and Lebanon.

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