Two London scientists have each won a prestigious £15,000 award designed to help them continue with their vital research.
Dr Yanlan Mao from University College London and Dr Lucia Prieto-Godino from the Francis Crick Institute were among five winners of the highly contested L’Oréal Unesco For Women In Science award.
The award aims to provide women with practical financial support to help keep them in the scientific community. Winners can spend the cash on scientific equipment, childcare costs, travel costs — or whatever they need to continue their research.
Dr Mao won the award for her work exploring cell and tissue repair after injury, which could ultimately help scar reduction and advanced wound healing. The mother of one, who was born in China, currently spends half her salary on nursery fees, and her lab is funded by grants, which has until now restricted her research capabilities.
She will spend the money on her childcare costs, and also to fund an outreach programme in schools in China to encourage more girls to pursue careers in science.
Dr Prieto-Godino is a neuroscientist who is researching the development of the brain. She also runs a not-for-profit organisation to promote scientific research in Africa. The money will help her to continue this outreach work. She will use it to pay for a part-time secretary for her organisation, allowing her to spend more time on research as well as her outreach.
Dr Beth Taylor, chair of the UK National Commission for Unesco, said: “The L’Oréal-Unesco awards champion female scientists and it is important that we bring the achievements of these women into the lives of those who could be the next generation of scientists.”
Dr Steve Shiel, a L’Oréal director, said: “These fellowships are designed to encourage, but also showcase, the amazing contribution female scientists are making.”
The awards were founded 18 years ago on the premise that “the world needs science and science needs women”. More than 2,000 women from over 100 countries have been recognised.
