In a powerful celebration of scientific excellence and women’s empowerment, the 7th and 8th editions of the “L’Oréal–UNESCO For Women in Science – Egypt Fellowship” were officially concluded, honoring a new cohort of exceptional Egyptian researchers whose work spans some of the most critical scientific fields of our time.
The program—one of the world’s leading initiatives supporting women in science—continues to play a transformative role in enabling female researchers to pursue innovation, accelerate their careers, and contribute directly to national development priorities.
Boosting Healthcare Quality
Dr. Ayed, speaking on behalf of Egypt’s Ministry of Health and Population, emphasized that supporting Egyptian women in scientific research is not merely an institutional responsibility but a national conviction rooted in the belief that women’s empowerment is essential to advancing the country’s healthcare sector.
He praised the fellows’ groundbreaking research, noting that their contributions reflect Egypt’s strategic scientific priorities:
- AI applications for early cancer detection
- Digital technologies in dentistry
- Genetic analysis of hereditary heart diseases
- Innovative solutions in water science
“These achievements are not just individual successes,” he said, “but direct contributions to improving healthcare quality and strengthening Egypt’s health security system.”
L’Oréal Egypt: Women have the ambition—our role is to provide the tools
Mohamed El-Arabi, General Manager of L’Oréal Egypt, expressed pride in the program’s expanding impact. “We believe women possess the ambition and innovative vision needed to lead. What they need are the right tools. This program provides not just recognition, but integrated support that helps bridge every gap preventing talented women from excelling.”
He added that the celebrated scientists “embody our mission of creating beauty that moves the world.”
Shared mission to advance women’s rights
Counselor Laila Hani, member of the National Council for Women, highlighted the alignment between the council’s goals and L’Oréal’s initiatives.
She commended the program for reinforcing women’s confidence, expanding opportunities, and demonstrating the essential role women play in scientific and societal development.
French Embassy: Women in science are a cornerstone of Egypt–France cooperation
Marilyn Olzak, Ministerial Advisor at the French Embassy in Egypt, emphasized that supporting women in science and technology is a foundation of bilateral cooperation.
She stressed that Egyptian women are a national asset who contribute significantly to innovation and research, adding
UNESCO: A lasting commitment to breaking barriers for women in science
Dr. Nouria Sanz, Director of UNESCO’s Regional Office in Cairo, reaffirmed UNESCO’s long-standing commitment to gender equality.
She praised the growing success of the Egypt Fellowship and its role in transforming the landscape for women in science., stating that “Together with L’Oréal, we aim to ensure that this program continues as a driving force for lasting positive change.”
Growing Scientific Potential
Dr. Nagwa Abdel Meguid, a member of the judging panel, highlighted the depth of talent among Egyptian women scientists.
She noted that the program’s receipt of 200 applications this year demonstrates rising interest and exceptional scientific potential, underscoring the ongoing need for structured support for female researchers.
About the Egypt Fellowship: Growing impact since 2018
The Egypt edition of the L’Oréal–UNESCO program recognizes women in PhD and postdoctoral stages, in partnership with the UNESCO Regional Office in Cairo and the Academy of Scientific Research and Technology.
Key milestones:
- Launched in Egypt in 2018
- 24 outstanding Egyptian researchers honored to date
- Annual funding: €26,000
- Total investment over 8 years: EGP 9 million
Global reach: 4,700+ women supported worldwide
Globally, the L’Oréal–UNESCO For Women in Science program has supported:
- Over 4,700 women researchers
- Across 140 countries
- Including 132 award-winning scientists
- 7 of whom went on to win the Nobel Prize
These fellows are not only scientific leaders but innovators shaping real solutions to global challenges—proving that women are central to building a brighter, more equitable future.
