L'Oréal Canada names the winners of the 20th Women in Science program

As part of the L'Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science program, L'Oréal honored five promising Canadian researchers at a prestigious ceremony at the French Embassy in Ottawa this month.

Since 1998, the L'Oréal Foundation and UNESCO have collaborated internationally through the Women in Science Awards, promoting women in science and breaking down barriers to their progress.

The L'Oréal-Unesco 2023 Research Excellence Scholarships, each valued at $20,000, were awarded to young Canadian researchers, chosen by a committee of experts.

Among the honorees were Dr. Michelle Asbury (University of Calgary), awarded for her work in understanding how components of human milk improve the health of premature babies, as well as Dr. Marianne Falardeau-Côté (Université Laval), recognized for highlighting the links between marine ecosystems, fisheries, food security and Inuit health in the context of climate change.

Additionally, a $10,000 supplement from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) and the L'Oréal-Unesco For Women in Science 2023 program was awarded to Dr. Sabrina Rondeau (University of Ottawa), recognized for her research on the consequences of human activities on wild pollinators and find sustainable solutions to mitigate the global decline of bees.

Likewise, the ceremony also included two scholarships of $5,000 each, awarded by the France Canada Research Fund (FCRF), to Ariane Godbout (Université du Québec à Montréal), recognized for her research on the citizen experience of the inhabitants of La Rochelle in the 17th century, and Lia Huo (University of Toronto) recognized for her work on a hydrogel delivery system for the targeted treatment of retinal dystrophies.

These five women will also participate in L'Oréal Canada's For Girls in Science mentoring program, contributing to the promotion of scientific careers among high school girls.

“L'Oréal Canada is very proud to celebrate the 20th edition of the L'Oréal-Unesco For Women in Science Young Talents Scholarships. This milestone underscores L'Oréal Canada's long-standing dedication to recognizing and empowering women in science. Over the past 20 years, L'Oréal Canada has awarded more than 90 scholarships to women in various Canadian provinces and territories,” said An Verhulst-Santos, president and CEO of L'Oréal Canada.

“I would like to extend my sincere congratulations to our 2023 fellows. These extraordinary women who embody innovation are now part of the global L'Oréal-Unesco For Women in Science community and will have a profound impact on the world of science. “