L’Oreal awards grants to five postdoctoral female scientists to accelerate research

L’Oréal USA has announced the winners of its annual 2022 For Women in Science (FWIS) fellowship to support research.

This year’s fellows have focused on the areas of biomedical engineering, ecology, mathematics, microbiology, and neuroscience.

The L’Oréal USA For Women in Science programme aims to support innovation, research and women in STEM – science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

The 2022 For Women in Science Fellows include Sikoya Ashburn, whose research in neuroscience focuses on the cerebellum and brain disorders to provide steps toward targeted treatment, Sarah Burnett, whose research in mathematics focuses on the flow of particle-liquid mixtures and Sandya Subramanian, whose research in biomedical engineering addresses at-home management of chronic migraine and Parkinson’s disease through wearable systems.

Other recipients included Margot Wohl, whose research in neuroethology and microbiology focuses on the egg-laying behaviour of mosquitoes and Marina LaForgia, whose research in ecology focuses on seed dispersal of plants to help determine which species will be most vulnerable to environmental change.

David Greenberg, L’Oréal USA’s CEO and president of North America, said: “L’Oréal’s commitment to the cause of women in science runs deep.

“Today, our company continues its proud heritage of advancing scientific knowledge in our industry with a scientific workforce in the US that is comprised of 70 per cent women.

“We are thrilled to recognise the remarkable 2022 class of L’Oréal USA For Women in Science Fellows and showcase their work across a wide range of fields.

“Their work is not only critical to solving our biggest societal challenges today, but also inspiring the next generation of women in STEM.”

The company’s programme, which has seen a nearly US$5m investment in the work of scientists since 2003, aims to build a community of women at the postdoctoral level and empower them to continue their research.

Marissa Pagnani McGowan, L’Oréal’s chief corporate social responsibility and sustainability officer for North America, said: “This year’s L’Oréal USA For Women in Science Fellows exemplify all that we aim to celebrate and accomplish with this programme.

“We believe it’s imperative to create these opportunities and drive visibility to women in STEM for the next generation of girls and young women.

“Every contribution by women in STEM serves as a powerful reminder that the world has been served well by supporting women at these critical junctures in their careers,” she added.

The US For Women in Science Fellowship has so far recognised 95 postdoctoral female scientists, supporting the advancement of research in fields such as neurobiology, metabolic diseases, physics and material science, integrative biology, and biomedical engineering.

The candidates were evaluated based on their intellectual merit, research potential, scientific excellence, and their commitment to supporting women and girls in science.

Applications were reviewed by experienced scientists in the candidates’ respective fields through a partnership with the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), which manages the application and peer review process.