L'oréal Türkiye and Unesco Honor Women in Science

L'Oréal Turkey and UNESCO Recognized Women Scientists L'Oréal Turkey and UNESCO Turkey National Commission jointly implemented the "For Women in Science" program for the 19th time in Turkey. The 2021 winners of the program's Turkish edition were announced and honored. Each of the young and talented Turkish women scientists shaping scientific research received TRY 120,000 in awards for use in their scientific research. At the launch event, the winning women scientists presented their innovative and comprehensive projects. L'Oréal Turkey General Manager Sinem Sandıkçı Gökçen, UNESCO Turkey Chair Prof. Dr. Öcal Oğuz, and writer and actress Gülse Birsel attended the launch. The women scientists who won the TRY 120,000 award from L'Oréal Turkey were selected by the UNESCO jury. When selecting these women scientists, criteria such as academic background, the contribution of their projects to science, applicability, sustainability and scientific innovation were considered. The four young women scientists under 40 who were honored are conducting promising work in many areas including environment, medicine, biology and epigenetics.

"They Are All Stars in My Eyes"

Writer and actress Gülse Birsel, who attended the event as Guest of Honor, delivered remarks. In her speech, Birsel noted that women are shaping science, shedding light on our future, and she was delighted to see young and talented Turkish women scientists standing out in many fields. Birsel stated: "I want to say that I have been greatly impressed by each of our women scientists and all of this scientific research. I am very fortunate to have had the opportunity to hear firsthand from these valuable people among us about where they have reached in science, how they have developed themselves, and how they are working to make the world a better place. I admire all of them. They are all stars in my eyes. It is also very exciting to learn that Turkish women scientists have managed to come to the forefront in this program and that with the support of L'Oréal Turkey and UNESCO, they are shaping the future of science. L'Oréal Turkey, women scientists, all of us together; we will make everyone accustomed to women who do not fall and stand firm!"

Supporting Women Scientists Through the Program Since 1998

L'Oréal Turkey General Manager Sinem Sandıkçı Gökçen also commented on the program. Gökçen, noting that gender equality in science is sorely needed, stated: "The L'Oréal Group took a step 23 years ago and launched the 'For Women in Science' program on a global scale. Thanks to this program, we have been empowering women scientists since 1998, rewarding outstanding achievement in science, helping talented women scientists gain the recognition they deserve, and inspiring girls to become scientists in the future. It was very valuable for us to support the promising projects of 118 scientists in our national program, which has completed its 19th year in Turkey. As L'Oréal Turkey, we rank as the 5th country globally in supporting the program most extensively. A total of 5 Turkish women scientists have been selected as "International Emerging Talents" in the program's global edition, consecutively for 4 years, bringing Turkey's name to international platforms. We are proud of each of them." Gökçen also thanked UNESCO for its years of collaboration on this program.