11 February - International Day for Women and Girls in Science
Article published on 11-02-2020
More sensitive gas sensors with reduced impact on the environment, bone implants that reduce the risk of tumor recurrence, the reasons why some patients become resistant to liver cancer treatment, and a deeper analysis of the causes of infertility, to increase the chances of IVF success are the research topics of the winners of the most recent edition, 2019, of the private scholarship program "L'Oréal - UNESCO For Women in Science".
Alexandra Mocanu, Gianina Popescu Pelin, Iuliana Nenu and Mariana Pavel-Tanasă are the winners of the Xth edition of the program that supports young female researchers, and were awarded with scholarships worth 42.000 lei each, which will help them to continue their scientific projects.
The private scholarship program "L'Oréal - UNESCO for Women in Science" awards young female researchers under the age of 35, who work in the fields of Physical Sciences or Life Sciences, following a rigorous selection process, carried out by prestigious names in the scientific community from Romania.
The winners of the Physical Sciences section
Alexandra Mocanu is a lecturer specialized in the field of chemical engineering, is 34 years old and works at the Polytechnic University of Bucharest. The project for which she received funding will create the premises for the development of more sensitive gas sensors, with a longer operating life and reduced impact on the environment.
Gianina Popescu-Pelin is 33 years old, grade III scientific researcher at the National Institute for Laser, Plasma and Radiation Physics. Her project proposes the development of a new generation of medical implants, which may reduce the risk of tumor recurrence in bone cancer cases.
The winners of the Life Sciences section
Iuliana Nenu is a 28 years old resident gastroenterologist, and a doctoral student of the “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy in Cluj-Napoca. Iuliana studies the reasons why patients with hepatocellular carcinoma develop resistance to certain forms of treatment.
Mariana Pavel-Tanasă is 33 years old, she is assistant lecturer at ”Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy in Iași. Her proposed research project will highlight the link between NK (natural killer) cell autophagy and female infertility, in order to increase the chances of IVF success.
10 years, 25 winners, scholarships worth 1 million lei
Launched in Romania in 1999, the L´Oréal - UNESCO Scholarships for Women in Science have so far supported 25 young researchers, with scholarships totaling over 1 million lei. The scientific results of the supported projects opened new areas of research at national and international level, generated new methods of diagnosis and treatment for rare diseases, led to the formation of new laboratories and departments, or led to the attracting of European funds for new research projects.
The tenth edition of the program took place between July and October 2019 and consisted in 72 application files.
The program of national scholarships is addressed to researchers with a maximum age of 35 years, who are either doctoral students or have obtained the scientific title of doctor and follow a postgraduate training program in our country.
About the international program For Women in Science
Over the last 20 years, the L'Oréal Foundation and UNESCO have supported 3,200 young women scientists from all over the world, through scholarship programs. The L´Oréal - UNESCO For Women in Science scholarships are awarded annually, at national or regional level, in ceremonies organized in 117 countries.
275 young women benefit from national or regional scholarship programs every year. Of these, the 15 most promising scientists are selected in the International Rising Talents program.
Every year, five scientists receive the L'Oréal - UNESCO For Women in Science Award in their field of activity. Each winner receives a prize of 100.000 euros.
Program responsible from NCR UNESCO: Cristina Butescu, expert Subcommittee on Education.
