Elsevier Foundation, TWAS and OWSD launch awards for women scientists in developing countries

The Elsevier Foundation, the academy of sciences for the developing world (TWAS) and the Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD) announced today the launch of an awards program recognizing talented early career women scientists from Africa, the Middle East, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean. Each winner will be celebrated for their research excellence and receive a cash prize of US$5,000 at the annual American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) conference in February 2013. In addition, winners will be reimbursed the full cost of attending the conference (including travel, accommodation and registration). The 2013 awards focus on life scientists and nominations will be accepted through Sept 30th.

The awards program builds on the 2010 - 2011 Elsevier Foundation OWSD awards program providing a deeper focus on discipline and professional visibility. The five region-specific annual prizes will rotate between the life sciences, chemistry and physics/math disciplines to ensure optimal exposure and networking synergies. Nominations will be accepted from early career scientists (within ten years of graduating with a PhD degree) from the 81 scientifically-lagging countries as defined by TWAS. All nominations will be reviewed by a committee of eminent life scientists from the five regions involved, including members of TWAS and OWSD, and chaired by OWSD president, Prof. Fang Xin. The 2013 award winners will receive their awards at the AAAS' annual Gender and Minorities Networking Event.

"TWAS is a firm supporter of recognition awards for women scientists," said Professor Romain Murenzi, Executive Director of TWAS . "We need to ensure that the conditions are right for women to succeed in science and celebrate their successes. In addition, the AAAS interdisciplinary scientific conference is a prestigious place to celebrate these accomplishments and will provide important opportunities for networking."

David Ruth, Executive Director of the Elsevier Foundation, said, "The Elsevier Foundation strives to support early career women scholars in balancing demanding scientific careers with family responsibilities through grants for mentoring, research retreats, professional visibility, childcare, work-life integration and recognition programs. Stemming the loss of talented women in academia needs to be tackled around the world by raising awareness among scientists, policymakers, journalists and the public. We're honored to provide these awards together with our distinguished partners, TWAS and OWSD."

"Honoring the work of early career women researchers is critical to creating a new generation of role models who will contribute significantly to advances in science and health," remarked Professor Fang Xin, President of OWSD .

Provided by Elsevier