The global cosmetics player awarded Dr. Phuong from National University in HCM City, $40,000 for her work related to discovering a cure for cancer, which she can choose to spend on developing her career in areas like scientific equipment, child care or travel.
She is Vietnam's first scientist acknowledged by the L’Oréal and UNESCO programme, which provides support for women that are committed to scientific advancement across all continents and at different points in their careers.
Phuong gained attention for her work developing fucoidan-based polymeric micelles for cancer treatment and diagnostics. She has also turned down a scholarship for further study at an institute in South Korea to remain in HCM City.
Acknowledging 'exceptional women'
This year's awards ceremony will take place at the Grand Amphitheatre of the Sorbonne University (Paris), and will distinguish 15 'International Rising Talents', which includes Dr. Phuong.
They are to be honored for their contributions to ecology and sustainable development, physics, pharmacology, epidemiology, medical research, neuroscience and evolutionary biology.
“We are convinced that science and women bring hope and foster discovery, innovation and excellence. L’Oréal believes in women, L’Oréal believes in science.”
Since 1998, 87 women have been recognised by the global cosmetics player, two of whom subsequently received the Nobel Prize.
According to the beauty giant's CEO Jean-Paul Agon, five L’Oréal-UNESCO Awards are presented to 'exceptional women' every year.
"By giving these researchers increased visibility, the awards show the way for new generations, encouraging young women to follow their example," he explains.
L’Oréal's commitment to the beauty sector
L’Oréal is also offering a cash prize of €100,000 and the title of '2015 L'Oreal Paris Makeup Designer' to a make-up artist showcasing their talents on YouTube that inspire and encourage women to interact online.
For The Brush Contest, the international beauty brand is soliciting contestants from 13 countries, among them, the US, Canada, France, the UK, Germany, Italy, Turkey, Australia, China, and Thailand.
“The Contest will give them a stage to showcase their talents and potentially become the Makeup Designer for the world's largest beauty brand and collaborate with us to design new makeup trends, and inspire and empower other women around the world through makeup artistry,” says Malena Higuera, senior vice president of marketing for L’Oréal Paris.