Felicidade Niquice

Each year, the L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Young Talents Sub-Saharan Africa Awards recognize and support African women scientists for the excellence of their scientific research. For its 14th edition, 25 PhD candidates and 5 post-doctoral researchers will be rewarded at the annual ceremony hosted this year in Kasane, Botswana, on 9th November. On this occasion, His Excellency Mr. Mokgweetsi Masisi, President of Bostwana, will honour the ceremony with his presence. Women scientists, an opportunity for the African continent and the entire world At a time when the empowerment of promising young women scientists has never been more crucial, global efforts in research are still lagging behind. Scientists in Africa represent only 2.5% of the world’s researchers1 . In a world where social, political, economic and environmental crises are escalating every day, harnessing all scientific talents is now vital to ensuring a fairer, more sustainable future for the continent. For the 14th year, the Fondation L’Oréal and UNESCO seek to reinforce their commitment to promote gender equality in science by rewarding 30 young talented women researchers – an increase of 10 awards compared to previous years. They have been selected for their scientific excellence among 632 applicants by a jury of 10 members led by Professor Aggrey Ambali, Director of Technical Cooperation and Program Funding at the African Union Development Agency, AUDA-NEPAD.