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The winners of the L'Oreal-UNESCO Pan-Arab 2011 for Women in Science Fellowship

Dr. Abdalla Alnajjar, president of the Arab Science and Technology Foundation ( ASTF ) announced the winners of the l'Oréal-UNESCO Pan-Arab for Women in Science Fellowships program 2011, managed by the Arab Science and Technology Foundation ( ASTF ). The fellowships covered 17 Arab countries and now in their second year in the Pan-Arab region, promote the importance of ensuring greater participation of women in science by offering awards to outstanding female postdoctoral researchers. The $20,000 fellowships, to be given to each fellow, have been designed to provide practical help for the winners to undertake research in their chosen fields. Names of the nine exceptional Arab women scientists: Dr. Shahenda Mahmoud El-Nagga, (Egypt), will undertake research into Cancer Stem Cells Self Renewal in Glioblastoma Multifor; Dr. Lubna Hamid Tahtamouni (Jordan), The Hashemite University, will undertake research into cancer biology; Dr. Zeina Hobeika (Lebanon), Saint Joseph, university of Beirut, will undertake her research into anti-HIV drug design; Dr. Rayhanah Abdul Munim Al Mjeni (Oman), Sultan Qaboos University (SQU), Muscat,will undertake research intoGenetics of Glaucoma; Dr. Rula Abdul-Salam Abdul-Ghani (Palestine), Al-Quds University, Jerusalem, will undertake research into cancer.

He added that the winners include Dr. Ansam Shafik Alafandy (Syria), Damascus University-Faculty of Dentistry, will undertake research into the Pediatric Dentistry; Dr. Hind Mohamed Abushama (Sudan), University of Khartoum, will undertake research into the Immunogenetics; Dr. Wissem Cheikh Rouhou-Koubaa (Tunisia), will undertake research into Magnetic Oxides; Dr. Anisa Hassan Sakkaf Albiti (Yemen), King Abdulaziz university Hospital, Jeddah KSA, will undertake research into the Health impact assessment of Pregnancy in Sickle Cell hemoglobinopathies.

Arab women are capable of producing knowledge and decision-making

Dr. Abdalla Alnajjar, president of the Arab Science and Technology Foundation ( ASTF ), praised the partnership between the ASTF , L'Oreal and the UNESCO, to provide the appropriate atmosphere and catalyst of Arab women in science and technology, to contribute in building the Arab Knowledge Society, and to support sustainable development efforts. He said that the Arab women are playing an essential role, especially in light of current circumstances, with the Arab societies south of the Mediterranean in particular. The creative energies and ideas of the Arab women can contribute to the rapprochement between cultures and Arab societies. Arab women in science and technology have proven to be able to participate in decision-making process, and participation in the process of modernization and development of Arab societies. We expect the Arab women in science and technology that go beyond regional boundaries, to get the awards, such as the Nobel Prizes in science.

Dr. Abdalla Alnajjar referred that that the present period is witnessing a tremendous development of women's capabilities in science, technology and society. This was the reason that encouraged many private sector companies, institutions and organizations of civil society to undertake investment in female human capital to assist them in occupying leadership positions. He stressed the importance of this Fellowship for exchanging expertise and experience in building a society of knowledge, while focusing on vital issues to close the gap between men and women. The objective of the Fellowship for Arab Women in Science is to identify the level of scientific and technological research and the status of Arab women in this field. Furthermore, we aim to identify the outstanding role played by Arab women, and the creation of a system that encourages all Arab women working in the field of science and technology to increase communication links, dialogue and interaction and to establish a number of working groups to develop projects that serve Arab women.

The empowerment of Arab women in the march of scientific progress

Dr. Tarek Shawki, Director of UNESCO Cairo Office said it is very important here to stop and reflect on this year's fellowship program. These applications were prepared and sent during very difficult times our region has been going through. Despite the hardships and uncertainty, these courageous Arab female scientists delivered one message to all of us and to the world. In this context, Mr. Alexandre Popoff, L'Oréal Managing director Latin America Zone and Africa and the Middle East Zone referred to the importance of this partnership, which is unique of its kind, to encourage the participation of Arab women in scientific research. He stressed the importance of empowering women in the march of scientific progress.

Dr. Ghada Amer, Vice President of the Arab Science and Technology Foundation ( ASTF ) said that the jury headed by Dr. Nabil Saleh, and the membership of the Drs. Fatma Al-Ghohary, Fawzia Mohamed Al-Ruwaih Fawzia, Hamdy Abdel Aziz Morsy, Hanan Issa Malkawi, Djameela Om Farsy, Mary Abboud, Najwa Khalifa and Shadia Ragheb Tawfik. The Committee took into account the standards of quality in scientific research provided. Dr. Ghada Amer affirmed that each woman researcher deserved award and recognition for her tireless efforts and presented the creative ideas, confirming the ability and the will of Arab women to succeed and overcome challenges, including confirms that women are able to be a "role model" for women and Arab societies.

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© Press Release 2011

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