• L’Oreal and UNESCO have launched the second run of the For Women in Science (FWIS) program in the Philippines.
• The 2019 FWIS Fellow for the Philippines will receive a Php 400,000 grant.
• Filipina researchers and scientists may apply for the grant via the official website.
Alongside the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), beauty brand L’Oreal recently opened the second run of its For Women In Science (FWIS) global program in the Philippines.
The L’Oréal-UNESCO FWIS partnership began in 1998. It aims to recognize and promote women in science across the world. FWIS honors established female scientists and recognizes their outstanding achievements. It also supports young female scientists and researchers who have significantly contributed to their respective fields.
The world needs science, and science needs women
L’Oréal Philippines officially launched the program last June 5. The event also served as the awarding ceremony for the newest FWIS National Fellow for the Philippines, chemical oceanographer Dr. Charissa Ferrera.
“The program provided me with a truly great opportunity to take my research, apply it in communities where it will be most useful in, and create social impact – something that I have always strived to do as a scientist,” shared Ferrera. “It was also a chance to raise awareness and inspire more individuals to pursue careers in science.”
Ferrera’s work revolves around advocating for improved water quality and sustainability in Anda and Bolinao. She also coordinates with science communicators, social scientists, and local government units in improving local fisherfolks’ environment and livelihood.
Dr. Charissa Ferrera discusses her research at the official launch of the FWIS program’s second Philippine run. Image: L’Oreal Philippines
“In 2018, we embarked on this journey with L’Oréal Philippines to provide Filipino women researchers and scientists a platform to overcome the challenges they face in the field,” said Prof. Shahbaz Khan, UNESCO’s Director and Representative for the Philippine Cluster Office. “In 2019, we want to continue the journey and include more stakeholders in the conversation to be able to inspire development and purposive action towards enabling women to be leaders in science.”
L’Oreal Philippines’ Corporate Communications Manager Carmel Valencia shared that the partnership’s goal is to help women in STEM to maximize their potential.”Our fundamental belief is that the world needs science and science needs women, because women in science have the power to change the world.”
How to join
Interested parties may nominate the next FWIS National Fellow for the Philippines until the end of March 2019. Filipina researchers and scientists who are PhD holders are eligible for the Php 400,000 grant. The selected National Fellow will receive the grant in June 2019.
For more information, you may visit www.forwomeninscience.com or e-mail fwisphilippines@loreal.com.
Reference
- Official press release.
Author: Mikael Angelo Francisco
Bitten by the science writing bug, Mikael has years of writing and editorial experience under his belt. As the editor-in-chief of FlipScience, Mikael has sworn to help make science more fun and interesting for geeky readers and casual audiences alike.
