Twelve female scientists from sub Saharan Africa have been honoured for their work in the science field.
Through the 2015 L’Oreal-UNESCO For Women in Science Sub-Saharan Africa Regional Fellowships the 12 were awarded post-doctoral fellowships worth a combined Euros 75,000, with the best three getting Euros 10,000 each.
Rasheedat Mahamood, a Nigeraian from the University of Johannesburg; Zebib Yunus of iThemba Labs, National Research Foundation in Cape Town, South Africa and Jandeli Niemand of the University of Pretoria, South Africa won the top awards that attracted competitors from 19 countries.
‘Through the great diversity of their research, this year’s Sub-Saharan African Fellows highlight the changing face of scientific research and the new disciplines that are continually emerging, forging the next generation of For Women in Science fellows. These young researchers share the thrill of curiosity and discovery, and are strong believers that science can change the world,’ a release by Africa Press Organisation sanction by L’Oreal and UNESCO states in part.
Awardees who received Euros 5,000 each include: Nomvano Mketo of the University of Johannesburg, South Africa; Gaelle Kafira KO of the Laboratory for Solar Energy and Energy Savings (LESEE), Burkina Faso; Shobna Sawry of University of Witwatersrand, Institute of Reproductive Health and HIV, South Africa; Majidah Hamid-Adiamoh of the Medical Research Council Unit, The Gambia and the University of Lagos, Nigeria; Jinal Bhiman of University of Witwatersrand, South Africa and Olubokola Adenubi (Nigeria) of the University of Pretoria, South Africa. Others are Olotu Ifeoluwa (Nigeria) – University of Johannesburg, South Africa; Danielle Twilley of the University of Pretoria, South Africa and Edith Chepkorir – International Center for Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE), Kenya, won Euros 5,000 each for their research.
“For the last 17 years, with the For Women In Science program, we have been fighting to advance the cause of women scientists worldwide. Much has been achieved: more than 2,000 women have been recognised worldwide, the program has gained recognition from the international scientific community, a springboard to enable women to go further and rise to greater heights. Science is part of our DNA and we are really proud of all the women who continue to make a difference in Africa through our program,” Sandeep Rai, Managing Director of L’Oréal South Africa, said.
The scientific research areas covered by this year’s fellows are varied and include studies in the fields of life and engineering sciences, food and water security as well as health. New and emerging areas include laser science, nanotechnology, renewable energy and climate change science.
Mauritian President Ameenah Gurib-Fakim is a previous awardee of the L’Oreal-UNESCO fellowship in 2007.
