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Discovering UNESCO and its initiatives
The week began at UNESCO Headquarters, where the laureates were introduced to initiatives led by UNESCO Sciences Sector and exchanged on shared scientific interests and potential collaboration.
They also took part in a guided tour of UNESCO Headquarters, discovering the Organization’s history, mission and some of the emblematic artworks housed in its headquarters.
The week was also marked by an outdoor exhibition displayed on the UNESCO fences, featuring portraits of the five laureates and offering visitors and passers-by an opportunity to discover the women behind the scientific achievements celebrated this year.
At the forefront of scientific discovery
On 9 June, the laureates gathered at the French Academy of Sciences for the Extraordinary Lecture of the 2026 L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science International Awards.
During this event, each laureate presented her research and the advances that led to her recognition. The Lecture was opened by Professor Françoise Combes, President of the French Academy of Sciences, and chaired by Professor Brigitte L. Kieffer, President of the 2026 Jury.
The following day, the laureates visited L’Oréal’s Research and Innovation Centre in Aulnay-sous-Bois, where they met researchers and learned more about the Group’s innovation activities.
Celebrating scientific excellence
The week concluded on 11 June at UNESCO Headquarters with the Ceremony. Selected from a record 504 applications from 89 countries, the five laureates were honoured for their outstanding contributions to life and environmental sciences.
Opening the ceremony, UNESCO Director-General Khaled El-Enany recalled that:
Women scientists are not only advancing research, they are expanding what we believe is possible. In a world where science has never been more essential, we cannot afford to leave half of humanity’s talent on the sidelines.
Khaled El-Enany, UNESCO Director-General
Jean-Paul Agon, Chairman of the Board of Directors of L’Oréal and President of the Fondation L’Oréal, reaffirmed the Foundation’s commitment to advancing gender equality in science through its partnership with UNESCO. Referring to the expanding For Girls in Science programme, he stressed the importance of encouraging scientific vocations from an early age:
Among these young girls are the scientists of tomorrow — the women who will develop groundbreaking treatments, drive major scientific breakthroughs and help address the world’s greatest challenges.
Jean-Paul Agon, Chairman of the Board of Directors of L’Oréal and President of the Fondation L’Oréal
Laureates transforming science across disciplines
The 2026 laureates were Professor Liesl Zühlke (South Africa), Professor Felice Jacka (Australia), Professor Sarah A. Teichmann (United Kingdom), Professor Raquel Lia Chan (Argentina) and Professor Gordana Vunjak-Novakovic (United States), recognized for groundbreaking contributions spanning cardiovascular health, nutritional psychiatry, single-cell genomics, agricultural innovation and regenerative medicine.
In her closing remarks, astronaut Claudie Haigneré highlighted the importance of visibility and role models, reminding the audience:
When a young girl sees a woman receive a scientific award, she does not just see success, she sees possibility.
Claudie Haigneré, astronaut
Addressing both the laureates and younger generations, she concluded: “Go far, aim high, and never forget where your light comes from, nor to whom you will pass it on.”
By celebrating outstanding achievements and encouraging future vocations, the 2026 For Women in Science Week underscored the transformative impact of women in science across generations and disciplines.
READ MORE: https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/loreal-unesco-women-science-week-2026-celebrating-excellence-and-inspiring-future-generations?hub=701
