Khalifa University, L’Oréal Middle East sign MoU

Khalifa University of Science and Technology and L’Oréal Middle East have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to partner on the L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Middle East Program.

The aim of this partnership is to strengthen the programme and reach new heights in promoting the outstanding research done by Arab women based in the region. As per this agreement, L’Oréal will offer three fellowships worth €20,000 each for post-doctoral researchers and three fellowships worth €8,000 each for PhD students.

The MoU was signed by Dr Arif Sultan Al Hammadi, executive vice-president, Khalifa University, and Remi Chadapaux, managing director, L’Oréal Middle East.

“The MoU with L’Oréal Middle East for the L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women In Science Middle East Program illustrates our commitment to encouraging female participation in STEM areas as directed by the UAE leadership. The UAE already prides itself in offering equal opportunities to women while creating the right environment for their intellectual potential to be tapped in science, engineering, technology and math fields,” said Al Hammadi. “Similarly, Khalifa University places huge importance to developing future women leaders as can be gauged by the current number of female students, which stands at over 58% of the total student body. We believe the MoU with L’Oréal Middle East will help us to further expand our role in developing female talent across the science and technology spectrum.”

“We are thrilled about partnering up with Khalifa University, as it is one of the most reputable universities in the region; with leadership in the advancement of learning and world-class recognition in research. Together we hope to achieve new levels of excellence and highlight the importance of gender diversity in research,” added Chadapaux. “Since the launch of the programme in the GCC, we have empowered 23 outstanding Arab female scientists and recognised the importance of their research for the betterment of our local societies, and the global scientific communities at large,” added Chadapaux.

The L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science was launched 21 years ago by the L’Oréal Foundation. Since the launch of the programme, it has recognised and honoured over 3,100 women, including 107 laureates and granted 3,000 doctoral and post-doctoral fellowships in 117 countries.