Recipients of 2015 For Women in Science Fellowships announced

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Through the diversity of their research, this year's sub-Saharan African Fellows highlight the changing face of scientific research and the new disciplines that are continually emerging. These young researchers share the thrill of curiosity and discovery, and are strong believers that science can change the world.

As part of the programme, 12 female scientists from across sub-Saharan Africa have been honoured for their work and impact in the scientific field. Applications from 19 countries were received which is testament to the increasing awareness of the programme.

The recipients of the Post-Doctoral Fellowships of ?€10,000 each are:

• Rasheedat Mahamood (Nigeria) - University of Johannesburg
  
• Zebib Yunus - iThemba LABS, National Research Foundation in Cape Town
  
• Jandeli Niemand - University of Pretoria

The recipients of the Doctoral Fellowships of ?€5,000 each are:

• Nomvano Mketo - University of Johannesburg
  
• Gaelle Kafira KO - Laboratory for Solar Energy and Energy Savings, Burkina Faso
  
• Shobna Sawry - University of Witwatersrand, Institute of Reproductive Health and HIV
  
• Majidah Hamid-Adiamoh - Medical Research Council Unit, The Gambia and the University of Lagos, Nigeria
  
• Jinal Bhiman - University of Witwatersrand
  
• Olubokola Adenubi (Nigeria) - University of Pretoria
  
• Olotu Ifeoluwa (Nigeria) - University of Johannesburg
  
• Danielle Twilley - University of Pretoria
  
• Edith Chepkorir - International Centre for Insect Physiology and Ecology, Kenya

The scientific research areas covered by this year's fellows include studies in the fields of life and engineering sciences, food and water security as well as health. New and emerging areas include laser science, nanotechnology, renewable energy and climate change science.

Much achieved

"For the last 17 years we have been fighting to advance the cause of women scientists worldwide. Much has been achieved: more than 2,000 women have been recognised worldwide, the programme has gained recognition from the international scientific community, a springboard to enable women to go further and rise to greater heights. Science is part of our DNA and we are really proud of all the women who continue to make a difference in Africa," Sandeep Rai, MD of L'Oréal South Africa, said.

This year L'Oréal was honoured to also have an International Laureate from the 2016 L'Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science International award, Professor Quarraisha Abdool Karim, associate scientific director: CAPRISA, PI: CAPRISA Clinical Trials Unit, Professor of Clinical Epidemiology Columbia University and Honorary Professor in Public Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal.

Professor Abdool Karim was chosen for her remarkable contribution to the prevention and treatment of HIV and associated infections, greatly improving the quality of life of women in Africa. She will be honoured at a ceremony in France in March 2016.

The South African scientist, Adriana Marais, was selected as an International Rising Talent where 15 young women researchers were honoured at the global event. Each in her field, these women are searching for new ways to tackle the environmental and health challenges. In addition to this, Marais was selected from more than 200,000 applicants as one of 100 potential astronauts short-listed for a one-way expedition to Mars.