The schism between science and skin care is smaller than you might suspect, with breakthroughs in the lab shaping the creams on your shelf. And, while both are about curiosity, creativity, and transformation. L’Oreal, a brand synonymous with beauty for over a century, is proving it understands this connection beyond cosmetics, with its L’Oreal UNESCO For Women in Science program (FWIS). Now in its 18th year in Australia and New Zealand, the Fellowship is not just about funding research – it’s about empowering women to shape the future of science while inspiring the next generation.
For 2025, four remarkable women have been recognised as Fellows, each a pioneer in her field, each transforming lives in ways that are as tangible as they are inspiring. These women don’t just break glass ceilings – they engineer DNA, map climate histories, model environmental decisions, and champion equity in healthcare. In a landscape where women hold just 15% of STEM-qualified roles in Australia, and only 4% of Nobel Prizes in science have gone to women, the visibility these Fellows provide is both symbolic and revolutionary.
First among the innovators in the L’Oreal UNESCO For Women in Science Program is Dr Jessica Kretzmann from Western Australia. From snorkelling in Karratha to expeditions in Antarctica, Jessica’s journey has been anything but ordinary. Her fascination with the microscopic world led her to the cutting-edge field of nanotechnology, where she engineers DNA origami – nanoscale structures capable of interacting with cells in ways that could revolutionise medicine. Her work has the potential to personalise therapies, enhance regenerative medicine, and reshape how we approach human health. But beyond the lab, Jessica is driven by a mission to ignite curiosity, especially in rural and underrepresented communities, mentoring young women and leading outreach programs that make science feel accessible, exciting, and, yes, beautiful.
From the microcosm of DNA to the vast sweep of climate systems, Dr Georgina Falster in South Australia is using the past to forecast the future. Her research analyses palaeoclimate data – tree rings, ice cores, and more – to understand droughts, floods, and megadroughts. By decoding how Earth’s water systems have behaved over centuries, Georgy is equipping Australia to face climate extremes with evidence-backed strategies. Her work, which could sound dry to some, is nothing short of elegant: it shows the artistry in patterns, prediction, and prevention, all underpinned by a deep belief in the power of collective action.
Meanwhile, Dr Maria Kleshnina in Queensland is proving that mathematics can be both rigorous and inspiring. Using evolutionary game theory, Maria models human behaviour to understand cooperation and guide environmental decisions. Her equations aren’t just abstract – they help policymakers, communities, and individuals make better choices for sustainability, from conservation strategies to climate action. Like a masterful makeup artist blending colours to achieve the perfect shade, Maria blends logic, strategy, and human insight to craft solutions that are as elegant as they are effective.
Crossing the Tasman, Dr Jamie-Lee Rahiri in New Zealand is redefining health equity for Maori communities. Her research in surgical practices confronts disparities in obesity and heart disease treatments, advocating for culturally safe and effective healthcare solutions. Jamie-Lee’s work embodies the essence of holistic beauty: seeing the whole picture, recognising diversity, and creating systems where everyone can thrive. Her leadership extends beyond research – she mentors young wahine Maori, demonstrating that representation in science is not just aspirational, but achievable.
The L’Oreal UNESCO For Women in Science Fellowship is unique not only for its funding – $25,000 to each Fellow – but also for its flexibility, allowing recipients to use the award in ways that support their careers and lives. Childcare? Check. Research costs? Check. Mentoring, leadership development, and outreach? Absolutely. This holistic approach reflects L’Oreal’s broader ethos: beauty isn’t just about the surface; it’s about confidence, empowerment, and nurturing potential.
Serums, Science and Sisterhood
In addition to supporting individual research, FWIS fosters intergenerational mentorship. Each Fellow becomes part of a dynamic network, guiding and inspiring new PhD students while benefiting from the experience of previous alumni. This mentoring ecosystem mirrors the layering of knowledge, creativity, and skill found in the beauty world – where techniques are passed down, refined, and innovated upon with each new generation.
The 2025 Fellows are emblematic of a larger movement. Initiatives like FWIS and its sister program, Girls in Science, signal a shift in how women in STEM are recognised and supported. Governments and global organisations are acknowledging the systemic barriers women face, from unequal representation to lack of mentorship and flexible funding. L’Oreal, leveraging its platform as a global beauty leader, is amplifying these efforts, proving that science and societal change can be both glamorous and impactful.
At a time when social media celebrates surface-level achievements, the FWIS Fellows remind us that true beauty lies in curiosity, courage, and resilience. From DNA origami to climate histories, game theory to healthcare equity, these women are reshaping the landscape of science – and inspiring everyone who watches them do it. They show that brilliance is beautiful, and beauty can be brilliant.
So, whether you’re applying your favourite mascara, crafting the perfect hairstyle, or experimenting with lab reagents, take a moment to celebrate the women who make the world smarter, safer, and more equitable. L’Oreal and UNESCO’s For Women in Science Program is doing more than funding research; it’s giving visibility to extraordinary women whose work makes science – and the world – a more inspiring place.
Beauty isn’t just what you see in the mirror. Sometimes, it’s what you discover when you look closer – and that’s exactly what these 2025 Fellows are showing us.
