AsianScientist (Feb. 16, 2016) – In recognition of research that has strong potential health and economic benefits, five researchers have been named winners of the 2016 Elsevier Foundation Awards for Early Career Women Scientists in the Developing World.
The Elsevier Foundation awards are given in partnership with the Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD) and The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS) for the advancement of science in developing countries.
The winning scholars from Indonesia, Nepal, Peru, Uganda and Yemen are being honored for their accomplishments in nutrition, psychiatry, biotechnology, women’s health, bioenvironmental sciences and epidemiology. They are also celebrated for mentoring young women scientists who are pursuing careers in agriculture, biology and medicine in their respective countries.
This year’s awards competition focused on biological sciences (agriculture, biology and medicine) and a panel of eminent scientists selected each winner based on her achievements. The prize includes US$5,000 and all-expenses-paid attendance at the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) 2016 Annual Meeting.
“The determination, commitment and enthusiasm of these five women is an inspiration to us all, but especially to other women undertaking scientific research in developing countries,” said Fang Xin, president of OWSD.
“This award celebrates their excellent science and demonstrates that their hard work has had an impact both regionally and internationally, despite the difficult local conditions.”
“Just as important, they will serve as models and as inspiration for young scientists—women and men—of a new generation,” said TWAS Executive Director Romain Murenzi.
This important recognition provides the winners with new visibility and extended professional networks, allowing them to engage with colleagues and the public while their careers are still at an early stage.
The 2016 winners representing Asia are:
Dr. Sri Fatmawati
Kampus ITS Sukolilo
Indonesia
Bioenvironmental sciences: For her work analyzing the medical and pharmaceutical potential of plant and fungi extracts normally used in herbal medicine
Dr. Fatmawati has also received the prestigious Pemenang Fellowship International L’Oréal-UNESCO for Women in Science for research analyzing substances from sponges that may lead to treatments for malaria, cancer and Alzheimer’s disease.
“I don’t know what the future brings, but I know science is part of my soul,” said Dr. Fatmawati. “I hope more young generations will share their life with science for a better world.”
Dr. Sushila Maharjan
Research Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology
Nepal
Biochemistry and biotechnology: For her work using soil microbes to develop medically useful chemicals
Microbes create a great number of the materials used in medicine, including antibiotics. Dr. Maharjan is currently researching bacterial strains from the high-altitude regions of Nepal to identify substances useful for development of new antibiotics, as well as other medically useful compounds.
“The most rewarding part of my research is to find novel drugs and antibiotics from Streptomyces bacteria of Nepal that have great potential to combat the emerging drug and antibiotic resistant diseases worldwide,” said Dr. Maharjan.
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Source: Elsevier; Photo: American Association for the Advancement of Science.
Disclaimer: This article does not necessarily reflect the views of AsianScientist or its staff.
