Gemeinsam gegen den Schmerzrückt Intimgesundheit bei Endometriose in den Fokus
L'Oréal UNESCO For Women in Science - Four Researchers Honored - an evening of Excellence and Equality
An evening celebrating visibility, diversity and scientific excellence: Yesterday, the Swiss L’Oréal-UNESCO “For Women in Science” Awards 2026 were presented at the ZKO Zürcher Kammerorchester in Zurich. In front of almost 200 guests from science, politics, civil society and business, four outstanding early-career researchers took centre stage, recognized for their research and their contribution to science.
The festive atmosphere was shaped by high-profile speeches and clear messages. H.E. Mrs Marion Paradas, Ambassador of France to Switzerland and Liechtenstein; Thomas Zeltner, President of the Swiss Commission for UNESCO; Benoît Dubuis, President of the Swiss Academy of Engineering Sciences SATW; and Claire Dieudonné, Country Coordinator & Market Director Consumer Products at L’Oréal Switzerland, emphasized the importance of supporting women in science and advancing equal opportunities. In a video message, Guy Parmelin, President of the Swiss Confederation and Head of the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research (EAER), welcomed the awards as an important contribution to advancing women in science in Switzerland and stressed the value of supporting outstanding early-career researchers. He also expressed the Federal Government’s commitment to this goal and recognized the programme’s partnership as an example of what public, civic and private actors can achieve together. Only by including all talents and perspectives can we find answers to the great questions of our time. The evening was hosted by moderator Olivia Kinghorst.
The 2026 award winners
At the heart of the ceremony were the four 2026 award winners. Each represents outstanding scientific achievement and the courage to explore new paths. Their work shows how diversity enriches research, and why it is important for women in science to be visible. Together, they represent a generation making science more diverse and, in turn, stronger.
Dr. Millicent Dockerill (University of Geneva, Department of Organic Chemistry) develops next- generation, reversible blood-thinning therapies equipped with a rapid “chemical zipper” antidote. Her platform is designed to allow clinicians to stop drug activity in emergencies, reducing the risk of dangerous bleeding and protecting vulnerable patient populations, including pregnant women.
Dr. Ing. Jana Musilová (ETH Zürich, Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering D-BSSE) is developing the foundations of a personalized “digital twin” of the human menstrual cycle. Combining computational biology with longitudinal steroid hormone data, her open-source models address historical data gaps in female healthcare and could help transform the diagnosis and treatment of conditions such as endometriosis and PCOS.
Dr. Vera Vollenweider (University of Zürich, Department of Quantitative Biomedicine) explores antimicrobial strategies that deprive multidrug-resistant bacteria of the iron they need to grow. Her research investigates whether prolonged iron starvation can cause clinical pathogens to shed mobile genetic elements carrying antibiotic-resistance and virulence genes.
Dr. Oana Pelea (University of Zürich, Department of Biochemistry) develops next-generation bridge recombinase systems, aiming to achieve high-fidelity, large-scale genome rearrangements in human cells. Her research could help lay the foundation for mutation-agnostic therapies for genetic disorders.
Each laureate received a grant of CHF 25,000. The funding gives the award winners the opportunity to pursue research projects, expand international collaborations and take important steps in their careers.
A Swiss programme with global reach
Launched in Switzerland in 2025, the “For Women in Science” programme is delivered in partnership by L’Oréal Switzerland, the Swiss Commission for UNESCO and the Swiss Academy of Engineering Sciences SATW, under the patronage of the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research (EAER).
Internationally, the Fondation L’Oréal and UNESCO have supported women in research since 1998. The programme has supported more than 4,700 women scientists worldwide, including seven who later received the Nobel Prize.
Claire Dieudonné, Country Coordinator & Market Director Consumer Products, L’Oréal Switzerland
“With ‘For Women in Science’, we support outstanding early-career researchers and make their achievements visible. This year’s laureates demonstrate the passion and future potential that science holds. They inspire the next generation and strengthen the visibility of women in science. Together, we are working towards greater equality of opportunity and a strong future for research.”
Thomas Zeltner, President of the Swiss Commission for UNESCO
“The 2026 award winners impress not only through their scientific achievements, but also through their determination, creativity and contribution to a better future. They exemplify what ‘For Women in Science’ stands for: scientific excellence, relevance to society and the power to inspire others. The evening reminded us how important it is to make women in science visible and support them. We cannot afford to forgo the ideas, knowledge and talents of half of humanity: women advance science, and science advances the world.”
Benoît Dubuis, President of the Swiss Academy of Engineering Sciences SATW
“This year’s awards highlight the tremendous potential of Switzerland’s emerging scientific talent. I was particularly impressed by the commitment and innovative thinking with which the award winners pursue their research. Their success sends a powerful message and can encourage many girls and young women to see a future for themselves in research.”
About the Swiss Commission for UNESCO
The Swiss Commission for UNESCO is an extra-parliamentary federal commission with an advisory function, established by a decision of the Federal Council in 1949. Its mandate is to liaise with the authorities in Switzerland on all matters of interest to UNESCO. The Commission also works to promote intellectual cooperation at national and international level in UNESCO's fields of competence among interested partners and institutions and among the general public.
About the Swiss Academy of Engineering Sciences SATW
The Swiss Academy of Engineering Sciences SATW is the most important network of experts for engineering sciences in Switzerland and is in contact with the highest Swiss bodies for science, politics and industry. The network comprises elected individual members, member organisations and experts. The Swiss Academy of Engineering in Sciences SATW identifies industrially relevant technological developments on behalf of the Swiss Confederation and informs the government and public about their significance and consequences. As a unique expert organisation with high credibility, it conveys independent and objective information on technology as the basis for establishing informed opinions. The Swiss Academy of Engineering in Sciences SATW also promotes interest in and understanding of technology among the general population and particularly among young people. It is politically independent and non-commercial.
About L’Oréal
For over 115 years, L’Oréal, the world’s leading beauty player, has devoted itself to one thing only: fulfilling the beauty aspirations of consumers around the world. Our purpose, to create the beauty that moves the world, defines our approach to beauty as essential, inclusive, ethical, generous and committed to social and environmental sustainability. With our broad portfolio of 40 international brands and ambitious sustainability commitments in our L’Oréal for the Future programme, we offer each and every person around the world the best in terms of quality, efficacy, safety, sincerity and responsibility, while celebrating beauty in its infinite plurality.
With more than 95,000 committed employees, a balanced geographical footprint and sales across all distribution networks (ecommerce, mass market, department stores, pharmacies, perfumeries, hair salons, branded and travel retail), in 2025 the Group generated sales amounting to 44.05 billion euros. With 22 research centers across 7 regional hubs around the world and a dedicated Research and Innovation team of over 4,000 scientists and more than 8,000 Digital, Tech and Data talents, L’Oréal is focused on inventing the future of beauty and becoming a Beauty Tech powerhouse.
In 2025, L’Oréal has been named the most innovative company in Europe by Fortune magazine, out of 300 companies, in a ranking spanning 21 countries and 16 industries in Europe.
Press releases in partnership with cChic News and cChic Magazine
