4 Nigerians among 30 African women scientists honoured at 16th L’Oréal-UNESCO Young Talents Awards
Four Nigerian scientists have been celebrated among the 30 outstanding young researchers at the 16th L’Oréal-UNESCO for Women in Science Young Talents Sub-Saharan Africa Awards.
The awards recognise 25 PhD candidates and 5 postdoctoral researchers from 18 Sub-Saharan African countries for their excellence in research, dedication to addressing the continent’s challenges, and efforts to inspire future generations of women scientists.
Selected from more than 550 applications, the laureates were chosen by a jury of 10 scientists chaired by Professor Priscilla Baker, chemistry professor at Western Cape University in South Africa, who herself received the 2025 International L’Oréal-UNESCO for Women in Science Award.
The awardees represent diverse fields including life and environmental sciences, material sciences, engineering and technology, and formal sciences. Their research contributes directly or indirectly to key continental and global issues such as food security, public health, sustainable development, and inclusive digital transformation.
“We believe that the future of science in Sub-Saharan Africa relies on recognising and supporting women scientists. Through the L’Oréal-UNESCO for Women in Science Sub-Saharan Africa Young Talents Awards, we showcase women scientists who are pioneering sustainable change and delivering solutions for Africa and the world,” said Pauline Avenel-Lam, Executive Director of The Fondation L’Oréal.
“UNESCO champions women researchers at the heart of Africa’s scientific transformation. The L’Oréal–UNESCO For Women in Science Sub-Saharan Africa Young Talents Awards show how partnership can open doors, amplify voices, and accelerate impact. By celebrating these remarkable young researchers, we reaffirm our commitment to their success and to Africa’s sustainable and equitable future,” added Lidia Brito, Assistant Director-General for Natural Sciences at UNESCO.
The laureates include Margaret Murage, recognised for her work on new cancer treatments, Ramal Cyrielle Ndougonna, awarded for using genomic data to identify cassava varieties that are disease-resistant, high-yielding, drought-tolerant, and nutritionally enhanced, and the four Nigerians — Hamidat Alaka, Modupe Stella, Chioma Oselu, and Oluwatosin Ajayi: whose research spans critical areas of science contributing to Africa’s development.
Across Sub-Saharan Africa, countries are making progress toward a more inclusive scientific ecosystem. UNESCO reports that Kenya has increased the proportion of women researchers from 25.7% in 2013 to 38.4% in 2023, while women represent 58% of graduates in Namibia and 60% in South Africa. Despite this progress, women scientists still make up only one in three researchers in Sub-Saharan Africa, highlighting the importance of programmes like the Young Talents Awards.
For over 15 years, the programme has supported more than 270 women scientists from over 35 countries. Laureates receive financial grants (€10,000 for PhD candidates, €15,000 for postdoctoral researchers) and training in leadership, scientific communication, and career development. They also join a global network of more than 4,700 women scientists since the international programme’s creation in 1998.
