Bangladeshi scientist wins prestigious L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Award

Bangladeshi scientist wins prestigious L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Award

February 12, 2020

Bangladeshi scientist Dr Firdausi Qadri was announced the winner of the L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Award (Asia-Pacific region) for her contribution to understanding and preventing infectious diseases affecting children in developing countries, and promoting early diagnosis and vaccination with global health impact.

Firdausi, head of the Mucosal Immunology and Vaccinology unit of International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease and Research, was selected as the best scientist in Asia-Pacific region during the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, says a media release.

She will be handed over one lakh euros at a ceremony on March 12, 2020 at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris.

Four other female scientists also won the award in their regions. They are: Prof Abla Mehio Sibai of American University of Beirut, Prof Edith Heard of College de France, Professor Esperanza Martinez-Romero of Genomic Science Centre of the National Autonomous University of Mexico and Professor Kristi Anseth of University of Colorado.

They were recognised alongside 15 young women scientists from all over the world.

Every year since its creation in 1998, the For Women in Science programme has honoured and supported five outstanding women researchers from all regions, totalling 112 laureates to date.

It has also supported more than 3,300 talented young women scientists, including doctoral candidates and post-doctoral researchers, in more than 118 countries.