The Elsevier Foundation

Winners of Elsevier Foundation OWSD Awards Lauded in Kuala Lumpur

Eleven Women Scientists Recognized for Research Excellence

On September 29th 2011, eleven women scientists from Africa, the Middle East, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean were recognized for their research excellence by the Elsevier Foundation, TWAS, the academy of sciences for the developing world and the Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD). The awards ceremony took place at the International Symposium on Women in Science and Engineering (WISE 2011) held during the International Year of Chemistry 2011 and hosted by the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, and Institut Kimia Malaysia (IKM) in Kuala Lumpur. Each winner received a cash prize of US $5,000.

Through a grant from the Elsevier Foundation, the OWSD Awards for Young Women Scientists from the Developing World were expanded to cover three disciplines in each region—Biology, Chemistry, and Physics/Maths. After a rigorous review by the four regional OWSD committees, shortlisted candidates in each discipline were nominated and subsequently ranked by the OWSD regional vice presidents. Find out what the winners had to say below:

This award meant a lot to me in that my contributions to knowledge in the application of various metal complexes as anti-microbial and anti-cancer agents in the field of inorganic chemistry is being recognized and appreciated. Yes, i feel it is very important to recognize young women in science (through OWSD) because women are natural nation builders and development of science is very crucial to every society. Hence, their encouragement will boost their morale to persevere and work hard to achieve the set goals in a male dominated society.

Aderoju Amoke Osowole
Winner in Chemical Sciences from the University of Ibadan, Nigeria

Over the years I came to recognize that it is difficult for women to do science since they have to juggle their career, marriage, motherhood and other social obligations. Winning such an award made me more confident about my decision of pursuing a career in science. Women need recognition, especially young women to give them that 'head start' and confidence. This award is celebrating women!

Lubna Tahtamoouni
Biological Sciences from The Hashemite University in Jordan

It is important to highlight that women, even from developing countries, are doing great things - making breakthroughs, contributing to advances in medicine, science, chemistry and engineering - becoming leaders and experts in their field. It is important to acknowledge young scientists so that they may be motivated from an early age to stay in science and develop a career in science and research.

Denise Evans
Biological Sciences Winner from South Africa

This award and recognition definitely helps to encourage young women interested in science to define and work for their dreams. Somehow, knowing the life and trajectory of other women makes you feel that it is possible to do science at international levels.

Maria Magdalena Gonzalez
Winner in Physics from the Institute of Astronomy in Mexico

I would like to express my deep thanks and happiness with this award. It means a lot. I feel more enthusiastic to develop my work and do more research and raise the quality of science.

Nahla Ismael
Chemical Sciences winner at the National Research Center in Egypt

I am the first women from my institute, H.E.J. Research Institute of Chemistry and perhaps first women from Pakistan, who will receive OWSD Prize for Young Women Scientists 2011, supported by TWAS, the academy of sciences for the developing world and the Elsevier Foundation. Previously I have received UNESCO L'OREAL Fellowship for Young Women in Life Sciences in 2004 and then Fulbright Scholar Award 2008-2009 for post doctoral studies. This is a great honor for me to receive OWSD prize. This award will certainly be very helpful to my career development since this award will highlight my scientific achievements internationally.

Farzana Shaheen
Winner in Chemical Sciences from the University of Karachi, Pakistan