Suzanna Nunes, a professor of Chemical and Environmental Science and Engineering at the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) in Saudi Arabia, has been recognized as a laureate of the L’Oreal-UNESCO International Award for Women in Science. Having resided and conducted research in Saudi Arabia for 13 years, Nunes was honored in Paris along with four other women scientists from different parts of the world who have made significant contributions in the physical sciences, mathematics, and computer science.
In an interview with Arab News en Francais, Nunes expressed her gratitude for being able to represent both Saudi Arabia and the Middle East as a laureate. She emphasized the importance of conducting advanced research in a setting that offers favorable circumstances, resources, and flexibility for study, noting that she would find it challenging to find another institution that offers the same level of support as KAUST. Nunes also expressed her satisfaction in being part of a country that is moving towards sustainability and empowering women through initiatives like Vision 2030.
The goal of Nunes' study is to integrate membrane technology into energy-intensive sectors including industry, transportation, and residential areas in order to lower carbon emissions. She has developed membrane-based technologies for air dehumidification, distillation, and sustainable separations in the chemical and petrochemical industry. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's commitment to renewable energy transition and carbon emissions reduction aligns well with Nunes' research objectives, making it an ideal location for her work.
Beyond her scientific achievements, Nunes recognizes the importance of inspiring and supporting younger students, especially women, to pursue careers in STEM fields.
The L’Oreal-UNESCO For Women in Science awards, celebrating its 25th anniversary, promote women scientists and their accomplishments. Alexandra Palt, EVP of the Fondation L’Oreal, highlighted the need to address the underrepresentation of women in STEM and leadership roles, emphasizing support for girls in computer science, mathematics, and physics.
UNESCO director-general Audrey Azoulay emphasized the significance of open science and its role in fostering innovation, while Jean-Paul Agon, chairman of L’Oreal, highlighted the fight for inclusion as being more important than gender distinctions. The event also recognized three displaced women scientists from Afghanistan, Iraq, and Nigeria.
The Women in Science program, supported by the L’Oreal Foundation, has been instrumental in providing assistance to 127 laureates and over 4,100 young talents, including doctoral and post-doctoral students, in more than 110 countries. The organization seeks to eliminate the barrier that still prevails in many professions by funding female researchers and scientists.
The event brought together the laureates' families, friends, influencers, public figures, and other attendees to celebrate the achievements of women in science and promote a more inclusive and diverse scientific community.
