What Do Serums and STEMM Have in Common?

Scientists and skin care will join forces on 14 November in Melbourne – as the prestigious L’Oreal-UNESCO For Women in Science fellowship awards honour five exceptional female scientists from Australia and New Zealand. These early-career researchers receive recognition not only for their groundbreaking work but also for inspiring the next generation of young women to pursue careers in STEMM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medicine).

This year’s Fellows are making significant strides in their respective fields, particularly in climate science and sustainability, tackling some of the world’s most urgent issues, like climate change, carbon waste, and sustainable consumption.

Among these trailblazing women is Dr Kaye Minkyung Kang, a researcher at the University of Sydney, whose work is pushing the boundaries of nanotechnology to combat climate change. Kaye’s research focuses on one of the most pressing issues of our time: carbon emissions. While many climate scientists aim to reduce carbon emissions, Kaye is developing innovative ways to tackle the carbon that has already been emitted. Currently, carbon waste is often buried underground as a temporary solution, but Kaye believes this method is not sustainable in the long term. Instead, she is exploring how to convert this waste into more useful chemicals by using solar energy, rather than electricity, to power the conversion process. Through the use of microscopic technology, Kaye’s research is opening up exciting new avenues for turning harmful carbon emissions into valuable resources, thus contributing to a cleaner, more sustainable future.

Another standout recipient of the fellowship is Dr Mengyu Li, also from the University of Sydney. Mengyu’s research takes a broader approach to sustainability, investigating the true cost of global consumption, including the impact of food and energy production on our environment and society. Her work uses advanced computer modelling to track goods through complex international supply chains, revealing the far-reaching consequences of wealth-driven consumption. Mengyu’s findings highlight the disproportionate impact of consumption on poorer regions and communities, shedding light on the environmental degradation caused by unsustainable practices.

What makes Mengyu’s research particularly thought-provoking is her exploration of the link between happiness and climate change. As she continues her work, Mengyu is examining how reducing emissions could not only benefit the environment but also improve human well-being. Her next phase of research focuses on the relationship between well-being, consumption, and sustainability. She seeks to answer the challenging question: how can we reduce our environmental impact while simultaneously enhancing our quality of life? Through her lens of regrowth, Mengyu aims to uncover how reducing consumption could lead to a happier, healthier, and more sustainable future for all.

The work of both Dr Kang and Dr Li is an inspiring reminder of the importance of women in science. These two brilliant women are not only pioneers in their fields but also serve as role models for the younger generation of women. As Kaye and Mengyu continue to forge new paths in their research, they are proving that the future of science and sustainability is female. Their dedication to solving some of the world’s most pressing challenges is proof that young girls and women can and should aspire to have a career in science.

It’s clear that championing women in STEMM is more important than ever. As Kaye and Mengyu’s stories demonstrate, increasing the visibility of women in science creates more role models for young girls to look up to. And when girls see women succeeding in these fields, they are more likely to believe they can follow in their footsteps. This creates a ripple effect, with more women entering STEMM careers, making invaluable contributions to solving global challenges, and inspiring others to do the same.

As the L’Oreal-UNESCO For Women in Science fellowship awards approach, we celebrate the incredible accomplishments of these five remarkable women. Their research is not only pushing the boundaries of science but also helping to shape a more sustainable and equitable future for all. Let us take a moment to recognise the powerful role that women play in shaping the world of tomorrow – and the importance of continuing to support them in every step of their journey.