L'Oréal Türkiye Provides Strong Support for Young Women in Science

L'Oréal Turkey, in collaboration with UNESCO Turkey National Commission, continues to support young female researchers dedicated to science in Turkey under the "For Women in Science" Program. The program, which has run continuously for 23 years, has honored 128 women scientists to date, bringing visibility to their scientific work at national and international levels.

One of this year's award recipients was Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sevinç Figen Öktem Seven from the Department of Electrical-Electronics Engineering at Middle East Technical University (METU). Öktem Seven, known for her innovative work in computational imaging, drew attention with her project on developing low-cost and portable hyperspectral imaging systems. The developed technology is expected to make invisible structures visible in agriculture, environment and health sectors, enabling faster and more accurate decision-making.

An Innovative Technology Inspired by NASA Experience
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Öktem Seven, who completed her doctorate at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in the United States and served as a researcher at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, discovered the importance of hyperspectral imaging systems during her work in space technologies. The scientist, aiming to make this technology—which in the past was only available in high-cost versions with limited applications—accessible, continues her work with young researchers in the laboratory she established at METU.

The system to be developed under Öktem Seven's project will provide detailed imaging in the visible and near-infrared (VNIR) band within seconds thanks to specialized diffractive lenses and artificial intelligence-supported algorithms. This innovative approach offers a wide range of applications from early detection of plant diseases to monitoring environmental pollutants, from medical diagnostics to industrial quality control. The project aims to be converted into a laboratory prototype within one year and subsequently tested in the field through industry partnerships.

A Global Program, a Strong Turkey Contribution
The L'Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Program, which supports more than 4,700 women scientists in more than 140 countries worldwide, has also honored 7 women scientists who have won the Nobel Prize to date. Turkey ranks among the five most active countries in this international program. The fact that 100 women scientists previously awarded under the program have advanced to the positions of associate professor and professor demonstrates the lasting impact of the support.

An Inspiring Story Connecting Science with Society
The work of Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sevinç Figen Öktem Seven not only contributes to technology; it also inspires young scientists, particularly young women. L'Oréal Turkey continues to support female researchers who create added value in science and technology, thereby contributing to shaping the future of science.