Ylann Schemm
Executive Director, Elsevier Foundation
Celebrating health advancements and leadership in low-income countries, featured awards highlight women scientists contributing to good health and wellbeing for all.
We know that the greater the pool of scientists, the more robust and impactful the science. Women scientists from the Global South, with their unique perspectives, often make life-changing contributions to solving some of the most complex challenges facing our world.
Women scientists’ recognition awards
For over a decade, the Elsevier Foundation and the Organization for Women in Science (OWSD) have supported talented early-career women scientists from the Global South through a targeted awards programme recognising their impact. The awards aim to enhance their visibility and career advancement, as well as inspire future generations of women scientists who are often undervalued and work in challenging environments.
Since 2013, the OWSD Elsevier Foundation Awards for early career Women Scientists in Developing Countries have recognised 69 women researchers from 30 countries for their research excellence in supporting the UN Sustainable Development Goals and their contributions to leadership, mentoring and engagement. Winners receive a cash prize and a grant to attend a major scientific conference to present their work, meet experts, visit labs and build critical networks. Many have progressed in their careers far beyond their expectations with some rising to prominent positions in science and environmental policymaking.
The awards aim to enhance their
visibility and career advancement,
as well as inspire future generations.
Spotlight on the 2025 Inclusive Health research awards winners. Featured above from left to right.
- Manal Badrasawi, Al Najah National University, Palestine: Health sciences, clinical nutrition
- Reem Obaydo, Ebla Private University, Syria: Green chemistry, public health impact of hazardous chemicals, environmental pollution reduction
- Alejandra Paniagua-Avila, Columbia University (USA), Guatemala: Mental health, psychiatric epidemiology, systems science
- Sarmila Tandukar, Organization for Public Health and Environment Management, Nepal: Environmental health, medical microbiology, waterborne diseases
- Halima Sumayya Twabi, University of Malawi, Malawi: Causal inference for maternal and child health and behavioural studies; longitudinal and survival analysis for health research
Critical health research for human benefit
Our 2025 winners’ research addresses some of the most pressing health challenges in their respective regions, including innovative approaches to maternal and child health, sustainable pharmaceutical analysis, climate action interventions and advancements in mental health. Their work also serves as a beacon of leadership, mentoring and community engagement.
As the Elsevier Foundation celebrates its 20th anniversary, we have never been more committed to supporting and spotlighting impact makers who are advancing inclusive research and healthcare for the benefit of all.
