December 8, 2025

L’Oréal Egypt proudly announced the conclusion of the prestigious L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Egypt Young Talents Program for 2024 & 2025, one of the world’s leading initiatives supporting women in scientific fields. The closing ceremony celebrated eight years of empowering Egyptian young female researchers and strengthening their presence in science field. During the event, L’Oréal Egypt honored six outstanding Egyptian researchers in recognition of their pioneering scientific contributions, reflecting the company’s vision of advancing scientific progress and promoting women’s participation in sciences.

The honoring ceremony was attended by distinguished dignitaries, including Counselor Laila Hani Mohamed Salem, the National Council for Women; Major General Engineer Amr Mohamed Ayed, Deputy Minister of Health for Information Systems and Digital Transformation Affairs, Mrs. Marilyne Olszak, Minister Counsellor of the French Embassy, Dr. Nagwa Abdel Meguid, Jury President, Dr. Nuria Sanz, Regional Director of the UNESCO in Egypt; Mohamed El Araby, L’Oréal Egypt Managing Director; along with representatives from Egypt’s scientific and academic communities, and media. 

Since its launch in Egypt in 2018, the program has recognized 24 exceptional female researchers, providing them with the resources, mentorship, and visibility to excel in their careers and become role models to inspire the future generations of scientists. The success of this program in Egypt highlights its broader mission of closing the gender gap in science. 

This year, the program continues its mission of supporting women scientists in Egypt by awarding an annual grant of €26,000 to three outstanding researchers, funding impactful research. Beyond financial aid, the program offers a comprehensive framework that includes scientific support through research networks, technical training to enhance skills and confidence, and material resources to help researchers complete their studies. The grant recipients for the 7^th and 8^th editions are:

• Post-Doctoral: 

• Dr.Nourhan El Maghrabi, for her research on “Sustainable Nano-based Device for Water Desalination.”
• Dr. Sahar Selim, for her research on “AI-Driven Multi-Modal Data Fusion for Early Detection of Ovarian Cancer in Low-Resource Settings.”
• Dr. Mona Allouba, for her research on “Genetic Analysis of Inherited Heart Diseases in Egypt”
• Dr. Noha El-Kersh, for her research on “Developing precise digital tools to enhance diagnosis and treatment in dentistry”.
• Doctoral: 

• Dina Ragab, for her research on “A Geo-Environmental Approach for the Assessment of the Natural Discharge of Groundwater in the Western Desert, Egypt.”
• Nourhan Shebl, for her research on “Understanding Parkinson’s disease from a public health & neurobiological research perspective”

Mohamed El-Araby, Managing Director of L’Oréal Egypt, expressed his pride in the success and sustainability of the program, stating: “The L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science program is one of our most esteemed global flagship initiatives. It’s built on our profound belief that women possess the necessary ambition and groundbreaking vision, and they simply require the right tools to thrive. We are incredibly proud of the lasting impact this program has had. It provides more than just recognition; it offers comprehensive support—financial, technical, and communication skills—helping in closing the gap for brilliant researchers to excel and conquer their fields. The women we celebrate tonight are not just advancing knowledge; they are embodying our mission to create the beauty that moves Egypt.”

Major General Engineer Amr Mohamed Ayed, Assistant Minister of Health for Information Systems and Digital Transformation Affairs, praised the program’s role in supporting and developing the scientific research ecosystem, emphasizing the ministry’s commitment to empowering women in both research and the health sector, stating: “Supporting Egyptian women in scientific research goes beyond institutional initiatives—it is a national conviction. Empowering women is a cornerstone of advancing Egypt’s healthcare system. The Ministry of Health and Population is dedicated to nurturing young female talent, providing a research environment that enables innovation and transforms knowledge into tangible solutions. We are proud to see research that aligns with the nation’s priorities, from AI applications for early cancer detection to technologies in dentistry, genetic studies of hereditary heart diseases, and water management innovations. These achievements are not only individual successes but also vital contributions to improving healthcare quality and strengthening Egypt’s health security.”

Counselor Laila Hani Mohamed Salem, Member of the National Council for Women, stated: “The primary goal of the National Council for Women is to support women’s rights and provide opportunities that enable them to achieve their ambitions. L’Oréal has consistently demonstrated a genuine commitment to empowering women through various empowerment programs and initiatives that strengthen their confidence. Which shows today, at the L’Oréal–UNESCO For Women in Science celebration, the Council’s goals align with L’Oréal’s, reflecting our shared belief in the vital role of women in driving societal development.”

Mrs. Marilyne Olszak, Minister Counsellor of the French Embassy, remarked: “Supporting women in science and technology is not just an objective—it is a cornerstone of Egyptian-French cooperation. Egypt possesses an extraordinary resource in its talented women, who drive innovation and scientific progress. Celebrating their achievements through the L’Oréal–UNESCO For Women in Science program highlights the strength of international partnerships in empowering women and reinforces that ensuring equal opportunities for women and men is fundamental to the advancement of both society and science.”

Dr. Nuria Sanz, Regional Director of UNESCO in Cairo, stated: “UNESCO remains persistent in its commitment to advancing gender equality and dismantling gender stereotypes. We take immense pride in witnessing the continued success and growth of initiatives like the ‘L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Egypt Young Talents Program,’ which empowers women in science. Through our enduring partnership with L’Oréal, over 27 years, we are dedicated to ensuring that this program continues to be a powerful force for positive change, driving lasting impact for women in the scientific community.”

Dr. Nagwa Abdel Meguid, Jury President, emphasized: “Women’s contributions to science are critical to the development of any society, and this program is vital in ensuring their voices are heard and their talents nurtured. I am proud of how this initiative has empowered so many Egyptian female researchers to advance their studies and make lasting contributions to science. The 200 applications in 2025 demonstrate the increasing interest and exceptional potential among women scientists in Egypt, underscoring the program’s expanding influence and the ongoing need to support these remarkable individuals.”

It is worth noting that the “L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Egypt Young Talents Program” recognizes and supports doctoral and post-doctoral researchers. In partnership with the UNESCO Regional Office in Cairo and the Academy of Scientific Research and Technology, the program aligns with L’Oréal’s global vision to empower women and promote gender equality in science. Launched in Egypt in 2018, the program has so far recognized 24 outstanding emerging female researchers, providing a research grant of €26,000 annually, bringing the total support over the past eight years to approximately EGP 9 million.

Globally, L’Oreal UNESCO For Women In Science program has supported over 4,700 female researchers across 140 countries, with more than 132 laureates, 7 of whom have been awarded the Nobel Prize. These recipients are not only outstanding researchers but also innovators tackling critical global challenges, showcasing the immense potential of female-led science to shape a brighter future.