The 20-Year Journey of the "For Women in Science" Program Becomes a Book

L'Oréal Turkey, believing in the transformative power that science holds for humanity, has been supporting female scientists across Turkey for 23 years through the "For Women in Science" Program, developed in cooperation with UNESCO Turkey National Commission. This initiative, one of Turkey's longest-running corporate social responsibility programs, has awarded 128 female scientists to date, making their scientific work visible and inspiring younger generations.

Four female scientists, four pioneering projects
Within this year's program, four female scientists working on breast cancer, Parkinson's disease, prostate cancer, and hyperspectral imaging technologies were recognized with awards.

Associate Professor Banu İyisan (Boğaziçi University) is developing smart hybrid nanotherapy systems for triple-negative breast cancer.

Dr. Dilara Nemutlu Samur (Alanya Alaaddin Keykubat University) is investigating the gut-brain relationship in Parkinson's disease using chip-on-a-body models.

Dr. Duygu Kuzuoğlu Öztürk (Sabancı University) is developing a new therapeutic approach targeting protein synthesis mechanisms in prostate cancer.

Associate Professor Sevinç Figen Öktem Seven (ODTU) is working on artificial intelligence-supported, low-cost and portable hyperspectral imaging technology.

23 years of experience documented in a book
The 23-year journey of the program has been immortalized in a special book titled "For Women in Science: Stories of Brave Turkish Women Following Science's Path." This publication marks a first among countries where L'Oréal Group runs the "For Women in Science" program.
The book features inspiring life stories of female scientists who have received awards to date, their passion dedicated to science, and their personal struggles. All proceeds will support robotics projects developed by children aged 8–12 through the Science Heroes Association.

'This program is not just an award, but a story of social transformation'
Vanya Panayotova, Country General Manager of L'Oréal Turkey, emphasized that the program supports not only scientific achievements but also social transformation:

"Turkey's young and dynamic structure is reflected in the For Women in Science Program. Projects developed in different areas from health to sustainability strengthen the solutions that science offers to society and our planet. As a leader with a scientist background, I feel the passion behind these projects closely. Turkey ranks among the top five countries out of over 110 that provide the most support to the program. In the coming years, we will continue to steadfastly support projects that unlock the potential of our female scientists."

"This book reveals the human side of science"
İrem Karaoda Tanrıkulu, Director of Corporate Relations and Engagement & Country Sustainability Leader at L'Oréal Turkey, highlighted the lasting impact of the program:

"For 23 years, we have supported 128 female scientists. One of our female scientists received an international excellence award, and five female scientists received the title of 'International Rising Talent.' With the book we published this year, we make visible not only scientific achievements but also patience, courage, and dreams. All proceeds will contribute to children meeting science through the Science Heroes Association. We hope this book inspires young girls and gives them courage to advance in the light of science."

Female scientists strengthening in academia
While only one-third of researchers worldwide are women, in Turkey this ratio reaches 55 percent among research assistants and 52 percent among faculty members. However, the ratio drops to 35 percent at the professor level. L'Oréal Turkey's "For Women in Science" Program plays an important role in transforming this imbalance. Of the 128 female scientists who have received awards to date, 100 continue to contribute to academia today with the titles of professor or associate professor.