L’Oréal Canada names the recipients of 20th Women in Science program

As part of the L’Oréal-Unesco For Women in Science program, L’Oréal honoured five promising Canadian women 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 For Women in Science Awards, promoting women in science and breaking barriers to their progress. 

The L’Oréal-Unesco 2023 Research Excellence Fellowships, each valued at $20,000, were presented to young Canadian women researchers, chosen by a committee of experts. 

The recipients included Dr. Michelle Asbury (University of Calgary), awarded for her work in understanding how components of human milk enhance the health of premature infants, 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), acknowledged for her research on the consequences of human activities on wild pollinators and finding sustainable solutions to mitigate the global decline of bees.

Likewise, the ceremony also featured two fellowships 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 citizenship experience of the inhabitants of La Rochelle in the 17th century, and Lia Huo (University of Toronto) acknowledged for her work on a hydrogel delivery system for targeted treatment of retinal dystrophies.

These five women will also participate in the L’Oréal Canada For Girls in Science mentoring program, contributing to the encouragement of scientific vocations 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 fellowships. This milestone underscores L’Oréal Canada’s enduring dedication to recognizing and empowering women in science. Over the last 20 years, L’Oréal Canada has awarded more than 90 fellowships to women in various Canadian province and territory,” said An Verhulst-Santos L’Oréal Canada president and CEO. 

“I would like to extend my profound 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 make a profound impact in the world of science.”