DUBAI: The L’Oreal-UNESCO For Women in Science Middle East Regional Young Talents Program, with the UAE’s Khalifa University of Science and Technology, has highlighted the work of 12 Arab female scientists whose research is shaping the region’s scientific future.
The program recognizes the work of Arab women in areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics whose research addresses urgent challenges.
We spoke to six honorees about why they chose their particular area of research and what they hope to achieve.
Aysha Al-Shehhi
“Within robotics, soft robotics attracted me the most. It is a young, unconventional, and fast-growing field inspired by the adaptability and elegance of nature. Soft robots offer new design possibilities that blend scientific rigor with creativity.Ayat Hammad
“I wanted to start with the patients themselves, to understand the biological changes occurring within their microbiome and how these changes relate to major health conditions such as cardiovascular disease, breast cancer and impaired wound healing. These conditions are particularly prevalent in our Arab region, and I believe that by targeting the gut microbiome, we can uncover new pathways for prevention and treatment.Fatemah Bahman
“I chose this research project to understand why obesity leads to chronic inflammation, which is a major cause of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. Although we know these conditions are linked, the exact mechanisms that sustain inflammation remain unclear.Nadine Hosny El-Said
“I chose this research because I’ve always been fascinated by what lies beyond the genetic code, the hidden layers of regulation that determine how our genes behave. I’ve always believed that nothing is created by God for no reason, and that every molecule, no matter how small or obscure, has a purpose and a role to play in our bodies.Fatimah Abdulhakim
“I chose this research project because I wanted to understand how plants cope with harsh environmental conditions like heat, drought and diseases. These stresses are becoming more common in our region, and they directly affect food production and farmers’ livelihoods. My goal was to identify natural ways to strengthen plants so they can survive and grow under these challenges without needing large amounts of water or chemicals. Ultimately, the problem I wanted to address is how we can build a more sustainable and resilient agricultural system that supports long-term food security.”Ohood Al-Ghadani
“I chose this research project because I wanted to address a significant challenge in Oman’s agricultural sector, post-harvest losses, which reduce food quality and limit the economic value of local produce. Conventional packaging, which is easily damaged during transportation, is a major factor in these losses, and I saw an opportunity to develop practical solutions.
