Arab women scientists advance pioneering regional research
L’Oreal-UNESCO program spotlights young female researchers driving breakthroughs in health, robotics, genetics, and sustainable agriculture
DUBAI, UAE (MNTV) — Twelve Arab women scientists were honored by the L’Oreal-UNESCO For Women in Science Middle East Regional Young Talents Program, held in partnership with Khalifa University, for breakthroughs in fields including robotics, precision medicine, genetics, microbiome research, and sustainable agriculture.
The recipients were selected for research that advances regional scientific capacity and addresses critical societal needs.
Six honorees detailed the scientific motivations and societal needs shaping their work, highlighting contributions that aim to address urgent challenges in the region.
Aysha Al-Shehhi said she entered the fast-growing field of soft robotics because of its creativity and potential to improve industrial safety.
Her current project focuses on building a flexible robotic arm designed to inspect and maintain aero-engines and confined industrial machinery.
The system aims to cut maintenance downtime, lower costs, and enable robots to operate in areas inaccessible to humans or traditional rigid robots.
Ayat Hammad said her research centers on understanding biological changes in the gut microbiome and their connection to cardiovascular disease, breast cancer, and chronic wound complications, conditions highly prevalent in the Arab region.
She aims to support the shift toward personalized medicine by identifying microbiome-based pathways that could prevent or manage these diseases.
Hammad said her work is driven by cases she encountered during clinical rotations, where she saw women struggle with breast cancer and slow-healing wounds.
Fatemah Bahman investigates how obesity triggers chronic inflammation linked to insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.
Her research examines how fatty acids and hormones from fat tissue alter immune activity and gene expression through epigenetic mechanisms.
She aims to identify early biomarkers and create targeted therapies that could lead to personalized nutrition strategies promoting long-term metabolic health.
Nadine Hosny El-Said, of New York University Abu Dhabi, studies long non-coding RNAs, focusing on MEG3, a molecule involved in metabolism and cartilage health.
She said her interest stems from the scientific gap in understanding the 98 percent of the genome that does not code for proteins.
Her work seeks to map how lncRNAs shape the 3D architecture of DNA inside the nucleus and how disruptions contribute to disorders such as osteoarthritis, Alzheimer’s disease, and metabolic conditions.
She aims to advance RNA-based and epigenetic therapies that address diseases at their molecular origins.
Fatimah Abdulhakim focuses on how plants respond to drought, heat, and disease pressures that threaten agriculture in arid regions.
Her research seeks natural methods to strengthen crops without heavy dependence on water or chemicals. She said the goal is to support sustainable agriculture and long-term food security by improving plant resilience.
Ohood Al-Ghadani conducts research to reduce post-harvest losses in Oman’s agricultural sector, noting that conventional packaging is easily damaged during transport.
She is developing durable, innovative packaging solutions designed to maintain food quality, strengthen supply chains, and improve economic returns for farmers.
Her work aims to enhance food security and agricultural resilience across Oman and the wider region.
Program officials said the honorees represent a growing regional commitment to supporting women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, with research that directly addresses societal needs.
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