Celebrating Excellence: Claire Chewapreecha and WITIN Girls Win Inspiring Women in Science Awards
In a remarkable achievement for women in science, Claire Chewapreecha, a dedicated computational biologist from the Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit in Thailand, and WITIN Girls STEM Clubs & Outreaches from Nigeria have been awarded the prestigious 2023 Inspiring Women in Science Awards. This recognition, announced at a glittering ceremony on October 31 at The Estée Lauder Companies UK and Ireland headquarters in London, underscores the vital roles these recipients play in advancing scientific research and promoting STEM education among young women globally.
Honoring Trailblazers in Science
The Inspiring Women in Science Awards, a collaborative initiative between The Nature Awards, part of Springer Nature, and The Estée Lauder Companies, is in its seventh year. The awards aim to celebrate women who have made significant contributions in science and those who encourage future generations in STEM fields.
Lisa Napolione, Senior Vice President of Global R&D at The Estée Lauder Companies, expressed her enthusiasm for this year’s nominees: “Each year, the caliber of applications from around the world gives me great hope, knowing the impact of these women who are at the center of producing such exceptional research outcomes,” she stated. “At ELC, we believe that recognizing the breakthrough research being led by women and honoring their contributions accelerates gender equality in STEM fields and beyond.”
Claire Chewapreecha: Innovating Against Melioidosis
Claire Chewapreecha’s groundbreaking research addresses melioidosis, a tropical disease that affects approximately 165,000 people worldwide annually, often with fatal consequences. By leading a dedicated team, Chewapreecha has focused on collecting, sequencing, and analyzing genetic data related to this bacterial infection, which is transmitted through contaminated soil or water.
Her innovative work has resulted in the development of a DNA-based rapid diagnostic test which significantly improves detection speed and accuracy, thereby reducing risk for vulnerable populations. “This award is not just a recognition of my work, but a testament to the importance of collaboration in science, especially in tackling neglected tropical diseases,” said Chewapreecha during her acceptance speech. Her commitment to public health exemplifies the profound impact that dedicated researchers can have on global health challenges.
WITIN Girls STEM Clubs & Outreaches: Empowering Future Leaders
The WITIN Girls STEM Clubs & Outreaches operates across Nigeria, providing vital STEM programs and mentorship for socio-economically disadvantaged girls. This initiative is oriented toward fostering interest in STEM careers and nurturing leadership among young women, ultimately contributing to poverty reduction and closing the gender gap in these fields.
Through hands-on programs and access to resources, WITIN is directly addressing barriers that may prevent young women from pursuing their ambitions in science and technology. The organization’s mission resonates with the broader goals of the Inspiring Women in Science Awards, which aims to promote engagement and retention of women in STEM careers.
Categories of Recognition: Science and Outreach
The Inspiring Women in Science Awards feature two primary categories:
-
Scientific Achievement Award: Honors early-career women researchers who have made exceptional contributions to scientific discovery, often overcoming significant personal or professional hurdles.
- Science Outreach Award: Celebrates initiatives that encourage young women to engage in STEM fields and support their retention in these careers, focusing on providing tools for their career progression.
Both Chewapreecha and WITIN exemplify the spirit of these awards, showcasing the influence of women in transforming STEM disciplines and advocating for a more inclusive scientific community.
A Commitment to Gender Equality in STEM
The Estée Lauder Companies continually emphasize their dedication to advancing women in scientific fields. With over 75 years of formulation authority in R&D, the company is deeply integrated into the scientific community, regularly engaging in leading events and publishing contributions in peer-reviewed journals. Notably, all of their R&D and innovation laboratories worldwide are led by women, with over half of their scientists and technical professionals being female.
Looking Towards the Future
The impact of this recognition extends beyond the awardees; it also inspires others across the globe. By uplifting the voices and achievements of women in science, these awards highlight the ongoing need for greater representation and support for gender equality in STEM disciplines.
Not only does this initiative acknowledge individual accomplishments, but it also fosters a culture of collaboration and mentorship, encouraging further developments in scientific research and outreach efforts.
Engagement in STEM education and careers today can lead to transformative breakthroughs tomorrow. As Claire Chewapreecha and WITIN Girls inspire these changes, what steps will you take in your community to support women in science? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!
For more on women in STEM and other related news, visit Shorty-News and check out authoritative sources like TechCrunch, The Verge, and Wired for further insights.
