Two distinguished Argentinean scientists in Paris

PARIS – "Albert Einstein was born 140 years ago.He inspired me by his creative approach to the mysteries of physics and by his interest in the ethics of science that culminated in the Pugwash lectures , of which I am a part today. " Marie Curie It was my model and it had taught me to realize my dreams in a world dominated by men. I thank my country, Argentina, for the public education I received, the National Atomic Energy Commission, the Balseiro Institute, Conicet and the National University. I am indebted to my teachers and colleagues among whom, I must say, there are only 10% women. (Yes), the world needs science, and especially our countries, our future depends on more women around the world. Science".

With these words full of emotion, the Argentine physicist Karen Hallberg was the first to receive the prize L'Oréal-Unesco "For Women in Science", an international prize that, for 21 years, has contributed to highlight the work of outstanding researchers. try to entice more women to embrace the scientific career.

Throughout the day, a persistent drizzle had fallen, but the general public of the House of Unesco, where held the ceremony gathering personalities of science, culture and diplomacy, was filled by an audience that was moved. to tears for the stories of these five extraordinary personalities.

Opening addresses were given by Audrey Azoulay, Director General of Unesco, and Jean-Paul Agon, President of the L Oréal Foundation. They emphasized that while science is the task of all men and women, they are notoriously underrepresented. "Our determination must be stronger than ever," they said.

Africa is one of the regions with the greatest inequality. Stellah Bosire, Vice President of the Kenya HIV / AIDS Court, Valérie Gbonon, Associate Professor at the Pasteur Institute of Côte d 'Ivoire, and Francine Ntoumi, President of the Congolese Foundation for Medical Research, told their story and badyzed social, family and social relationships. that women meet in their countries to do science.

The winners, one per continent, are chosen by a top jury and, in some cases, the prize was a prelude to the Nobel Prize. Maki Kawai, from Japan, was selected by the Asia-Pacific region and stands out for his progress in manipulating individual molecules to create new materials. "My advice to young scientists is that they do not give up and that they always have in mind the problems that can arise when the technology is developed," he said. when awarding the prize.

On behalf of Africa and the Arab States, Najat Saliba was honored for his pioneering work in identifying carcinogens and other toxic substances in air pollution, water pipes and other devices. "Knowledge is the key," he said. "I believe in the power of people to change if we give them the right information, I am a fighter and I want every woman to be, the war in Lebanon has taught me to appreciate the present, life as an accumulation of good times, and I always remember that the common good is more important than individual glory. "

Claire Voisin Mathematics has been chosen by Europe for her outstanding work in algebraic geometry. Neighbor was of the opinion that it is a prejudice that women are not good for abstract thinking. He concluded: "I dedicate this award to my granddaughter, I will soon have another and hope that they will live in a world where there will be more" women scientists, "there will be scientists, regardless of bad."

In North America, Ingrid Daubechies, recognized worldwide for the development of data compression algorithms, has recently awarded another mathematics. Daubechies, granddaughter of a bank teller and glbadmaker, wanted everyone to understand how dynamic mathematics is.

"It is true that doing research at the highest level is reserved for a few, but the same goes for the Olympics and that does not mean that we should not play sports! They are fun they are good and many people like them. " "he exclaimed.

In addition to the laureates, 15 young researchers were also honored tonight, along with Argentina's María Molina, of the University of Rio Cuarto, for her development of nanogels releasing antibiotics before a heat source.