Future Women in Science Meet at L'Oréal Turkey

L'Oréal Turkey, which places equality, fairness and inclusivity at the heart of all its efforts and has run the 'For Women in Science' Programme for 24 years with the approach 'The world needs science, science needs women', marked 11 February International Day of Women and Girls in Science with a meaningful event. Operating with a 40-year vision of women's empowerment, the company drew attention to the inclusive power of science by hosting 40 female students studying in STEM fields at its office.

At this special event, which brought together the expertise of L'Oréal Turkey's Global R&D and Science & Licensing departments with the vision of the 'For Women in Science' Programme, young talents discovered the multidisciplinary working culture under the L'Oréal umbrella and career stories that transcend boundaries. During the sessions held throughout the day, it was emphasised that science is not merely a technical field confined to laboratories; it is a multidimensional structure shaped by ethical values and legal safeguards that underpin the company's scientific processes. Young women came together with inspiring insights on scientific career journeys, global R&D experiences and the intersection of different disciplines.

"Sustainable scientific progress is possible through ethics, security and responsibility."
Hande Karakülah, Head of Legal, Science and Licensing at L'Oréal Turkey, who delivered the opening remarks of the programme, highlighted L'Oréal Turkey's holistic approach to science. Karakülah stated the following in her speech:

"Sustainable scientific progress is possible through ethics, security and responsibility. As L'Oréal Turkey, we approach science on the basis of respect for human health, society and the environment. The participation of young women in every field of science is of great importance for a more just and inclusive future."

Global Experiences and Inspiring Stories from Role Models
Dr. Zehra Kılıç, Senior Science Expert in Product Safety, Research and Innovation Unit, L'Oréal Americas, shared in a session titled "Science Without Borders: A Global Career Journey in R&D" her career path extending from Turkey to the United States, the cultural and scientific differences she encountered during this process, and the innovation culture in R&D. Özlem Yılmaz, Head of Science & Licensing at L'Oréal Turkey, shared with participants her career transition from chemical engineering to L'Oréal Turkey's Science and Licensing Department, the importance L'Oréal places on science and innovation, and the most honest career advice for young women currently studying in STEM fields.

The programme continued with an inspiring talk titled "Science Beyond Your Comfort Zone: Experiments, Mistakes and Great Successes" delivered by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Banu İyisan, who was honoured within the framework of the 23rd year of the "For Women in Science" Programme, carried out in cooperation with L'Oréal Turkey and UNESCO. İyisan shared the role of stepping outside one's comfort zone in scientific development, the importance of trial-and-error processes on the path to great success, the contributions of the programme to her career, and sincere career advice for young women studying in STEM fields.

L'Oréal Turkey continues to support the inclusive power of science
Last year, on 11 February International Day of Women and Girls in Science, L'Oréal Turkey distributed science kits to support children's introduction to science. Through this step, L'Oréal Turkey aimed not only to foster a love of science among young women of university age, but also to strengthen curiosity in younger age groups and support equal opportunity in access to science.

Through these initiatives carried out within the scope of 11 February International Day of Women and Girls in Science, L'Oréal Turkey continues to make the inclusive power of science visible, support the science journeys of women and girls, and inspire the scientists of the future.