Beirut, May 28, 2019 – Under the patronage and in the presence of the minister of Environment Fadi Jreisati, Dr. Mario Aoun honored professor Najat Aoun Saliba, specialized in Analytical and atmospheric chemistry. This was during a recognition ceremony on the 25th of May in her hometown Damour, for winning the 2019 L’ORÉAL-UNESCO “For Women in Science” International Award. Representatives from L’Oréal Levant, professor Saliba’s friends and family, and media representatives all attended the event to celebrate her achievements.
On February 11 of this year, L’Oréal
and UNESCO had announced the names of the winners of the 21st edition
of the “For Women in Science” international Awards, which honors five
leading scientists every year, each representing one of the five continents.
Professor Saliba won the award on behalf of Africa and Arab States and is the
first Lebanese female scientist who resides and works in Lebanon to ever win
this award.
Every winner received €100,000, and their achievements were celebrated at an awards ceremony on March 14, 2019 at UNESCO’s headquarters in Paris.
Professor Saliba was rewarded for her pioneering work in identifying carcinogenic agents and other toxic air pollutants in the in Middle East, and in modern nicotine delivery systems, such as cigarettes and hookahs. Her innovative work in analytical and atmospheric chemistry will make it possible to address some of the most pressing environmental challenges and help advance public health policies and practices.
It is also worth mentioning that professor Saliba visited President Michel Aoun who honored her and awarded her the National Order of the Cedar, the Knight Grade, in recognition of her pioneering research and efforts.
During the ceremony, Minister of Environment Fadi Jresiati praised professor Saliba on her successes and said, “Celebrating the achievements of any Lebanese is a great pride, let alone the achievements of a Lebanese female scientist in the environmental field. The work and accomplishments of Professor Najat have put Lebanon on the map for scientific and environmental endeavors, and we hope that she becomes a model for many young men and women to continue in her footsteps.”
Deputy Mario Aoun also presented Dr. Najat Aoun Saliba with a Cedar honorary medal in recognition of her achievements and said, “I did not hesitate for a moment to honor Dr. Najat. I greatly appreciate science, knowledge and intelligence in general and specifically when it comes to Dr. Najat who is raising the name of Damour, Lebanon in the world. Dr. Najat, you are a pride for all of us, and we are very happy to be celebrating with you today. I am also proud of Damour that, despite all crises, is still sourcing Lebanon and the world with great and important personalities in all fields. They raised the name of Damour high, and today we witness yet another triumph.”
Professor Saliba thanked every person who took part in making the ceremony a success, especially minister Fadi Jreisati for his patronage, deputy Mario Aoun for organizing the event and for his support, as well as the L’Oréal family and said, “this recognition is very dear to my heart, especially that it is happening in my hometown Damour. I would not have reached where I am today were it not for the love and support of my family and friends, as well as the trust of my teachers. I believe that women are knowledgeable, they are not scared of voicing their opinions, and are very open to cooperating with others, and these are vital ingredients for the development of complete and effective scientific approaches. This is why I demand that each and every woman, especially my female students, to defend their rights, strengthen their confidence in their work, and to dare to dream!”
Since 1998, the L’Oréal Foundation, in partnership with UNESCO, has worked to improve the representation of women in scientific careers, remaining strong in their conviction that the world needs science, and science needs women. Moreover, despite the fact that in the domain of scientific research, the glass ceiling is still a reality: only 28% of researchers are women, 11% of senior academic roles are held by women, and only 3% of Nobel Prizes for science have been awarded to women, the L’ORÉAL-UNESCO “For Women in Science” program has done a lot. In its first 21 years, the program has supported and raised the profile of 107 laureates and more than 3,000 talented young scientists, both doctoral and post-doctoral candidates, providing research fellowships, allocated annually in 117 countries.