L’Oréal-UNESCO Recognises Four Rsif Scholars for Scientific Excellence
The L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Young Talents Programme in Sub-Saharan Africa has been recognising outstanding female researchers for 16 years. The award is not only a global recognition of excellence and the power of science to inform change, but celebrates scientists whose research advances knowledge while shaping policies for sustainable development. This year, four scholars from the Partnership for Skills in Applied Sciences, Engineering and Technology (PASET) – Regional Scholarship and Innovation Fund (Rsif) programme were among the awardees. PASET-Rsif is an ambitious Africa-led initiative aimed at bridging gaps in skills and knowledge necessary for sustained economic growth in sub-Saharan Africa.
The scholars were:
Aminata Sarr from Senegal, recognised for her research on the implementation of an innovative modular agrivoltaic unit in the context of the water-food-energy nexus.
Tamara Jose Sande from Mozambique for her research on soil science and plant nutrition to improve potato production in Mozambique through integrated nutrient management.
Dr Christelle Mbouteu from Cameroon, whose research explored innovative solutions to energy access, climate resilience and sustainable development.
Rehema Mwawado from Tanzania for her research on the development of an efficient federated learning framework for soil parameter data analytics in precision agriculture.
The World Education Day this weekend reflected on quality, equitable, and inclusive education for all, the focus was on one fundamental truth; education does not end with access or graduation. Its value is revealed through the impact it makes and the opportunities it creates. This principle lies at the heart of PASET- Rsif.
The four scholars embody this value, supported through Rsif they were able to pursue advanced training and research that responds to Africa and real world challenges and transformed their academic opportunity into globally recognised achievement.
The UNESCO–L’Oréal Award offers tangible evidence of what equality education can achieve by nurturing and sustaining the talent of the African youth. It is also a clear demonstration that when learning pathways are supported – it goes beyond scholarship to a global recognition.
Achievements of the four Rsif scholars through the lens of World Education Day is a reminder that quality education greatest returns are seen in the lives it shapes and the societal challenges it solve.