The Caribbean’s scientific community celebrated two trailblazing women as Dr. Savanna Lloyd and PhD candidate Gillian A. Rowe were honored with the prestigious 2024 L’Oréal-UNESCO Young Talent Awards.
The awards, presented during the AAAS Caribbean Region Annual Meeting held at the Interamerican University of Puerto Rico last month, spotlight their exceptional contributions to advancing scientific research in the region.
Now in its second year, the program received applications from early-career scientists and doctoral candidates across the Caribbean, with research spanning a variety of fields. Both winners hail from the University of the West Indies (UWI): Dr. Lloyd is a lecturer in the Department of Physics at UWI Mona Campus, Jamaica, while Ms. Rowe is pursuing her doctorate in the Faculty of Food and Agriculture at UWI St. Augustine Campus, Trinidad and Tobago.
Dr. Lloyd, reflecting on her award, noted its transformative impact on her confidence as a scientist. “Without the basic scientific tools and resources, I felt I was not in a position strategic enough to contribute to a project. I did not feel ready. But after discovering that I received the award, I knew I was,” she said.
Ms. Rowe echoed the sentiment, highlighting the broader implications for women in science across the region. “This is uniquely allowing women at the pre-doctoral career level to receive critical support from a global network, and it is extraordinary for each recipient to be inspired by experienced scientists with a wealth of knowledge.”
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The awards also garnered praise from leaders at UWI. “The awardees show that Caribbean science has two shining lights from the University of the West Indies,” said Professor Marcia Roye, Director of Graduate Studies and Research at UWI.
These achievements underscore the critical role of initiatives like the L’Oréal-UNESCO partnership in raising the profile of Caribbean science. Dr. Marvadeen Singh-Wilmot of the Caribbean Academy of Sciences emphasized that such programs are pivotal to fostering sustainable development through STEM. “The Caribbean needs 3 Bs: Bricks, Bytes/Bites, and Brains, to bolster the STEM enterprise to drive sustainable growth,” she stated.
While the L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science partnership has made strides in breaking barriers for women scientists globally over the past 25 years, challenges remain. Dr. Danielle Cliche, Acting Director of the UNESCO Office for the Caribbean, called attention to persistent gender disparities in STEM.
“Gender bias during early childhood discourages girls from going into STEM, and gender stereotypes about girls’ abilities and performance in STEM are prevalent in academia. Challenging these biases and dismantling systemic inequalities is essential,” she urged.
The awards also serve as a call to action for institutions to foster an inclusive culture in STEM fields. “Their brilliance, tenacity, grit, and unwavering dedication to the pursuit of knowledge is awe-inspiring. Women are breaking barriers, shattering glass ceilings, and leaving a lasting mark on the scientific landscape,” said Gilles Delaunay, General Manager of L’Oréal Caribe.
The recognition of Dr. Lloyd and Ms. Rowe not only celebrates their individual achievements but also exemplifies a broader commitment to cultivating a new generation of scientific leaders in the Caribbean. As the region continues to shine in STEM, initiatives like these ensure that its brightest talents are equipped to reshape the future.
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