kristy.ramnarine@cnc3.co.tt
Two Caribbean scientists, Trinidadian Sunshine De Caires and Jamaican Sarah Buckland, have received an endowment of US$10,000 to further develop their scientific endeavours from the L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science (FWIS) programme.
The inaugural FWIS Awards Ceremony was held at the University of the West Indies’ St Augustine campus last Friday, during the 23rd Biennial Conference and General Meeting 2023 of the Caribbean Academy of Science.
De Caires and Dr Buckland specialise in the fields of soil science and geography, contributing to research on climate change and its effects in the region.
De Caires’ research on environmental science and agriculture in the face of climate change at UWI, St Augustine, focuses on understanding and predicting the effect climate change has on the soil quality in the Caribbean, while also contributing to sustainable land management, a necessary component in the preservation of precious ecosystems in the region.
Dr Buckland’s research on climate change at UWI, Mona presents how its effects can be seen in agriculture, with special interest in seasonal climate patterns to manage risks during dry seasons, like the 2014-2015 droughts in Jamaica.
Caribbean Academy of Sciences president, Professor Raymond Jagessar, said a significant milestone was achieved via signing a tripartite agreement between L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women In Science Programme, represented by UNESCO Office for the Caribbean and L’Oréal Caribe, and the Caribbean Academy of Sciences (CAS) on June 27, 2023.
“This collaborative effort, supported by CAS, marks a positive step towards sustained support for this well-needed programme.
“The agreement signifies a commitment to the long-term empowerment of women scientists in the region. With the introduction of this competitive grant, we hope that this will not only to encourage the publication of more research but also to spur women scientists to leverage their work for the region’s development. The forward-looking vision is for this impactful initiative to endure in our region for many years to come,” he said.
The Young Talents Caribbean Region marked the 53rd national and regional L’Oréal UNESCO For Women in Science programme around the world, covering 24 islands in the region.
“Our joint global initiative, the For Women in Science programme, has not only significantly contributed to fostering a more inclusive environment for women in scientific careers, but it has also catalysed a broader societal transformation among institutions, partners, public authorities, and the scientific and academic community. This has fostered a genuine cultural shift which is so critical to sustainable development,” said Dr. Anna Paolini, Director and Representative, UNESCO Office for the Caribbean.
General Manager L’Oréal Caribe said Gilles Delaunay said L’Oréal Caribe is proud to recognise this first For Women in Science programme in the region.
“This initiative gives Caribbean women in STEM the visibility and resource contributions needed to help them excel in their fields, advance their careers and establish themselves as leaders and role models for the next generation of girls and young women,” he said.
“We are delighted to showcase this inaugural class of FWIS awardees, who will undoubtedly carry on this legacy, complete groundbreaking research and inspire others to impact the world through their game-changing science.”
The For Women in Science philanthropic programme embodies L’Oréal’s fundamental belief in the indispensable connection between science and women. This initiative aspires to cultivate a doctorate, postdoctoral, and early career community of women, empowering them to persist in their research, attain leadership roles, and become inspirational mentors for the generations of women and girls that will follow in their path.
