L'Oréal-UNESCO Honors Five Women Scientists for 2026 Research
The L'Oréal-UNESCO for Women in Science initiative recognizes postdoctoral researchers for work in fields ranging from bioengineering to astronomy.
Vox Media will co-host a panel and reception on October 22 to honor the five recipients of the 2026 L’Oréal-UNESCO for Women in Science Awards. This marks the second year Vox has celebrated the scientists recognized by the global initiative, which aims to support women in scientific fields.
The five awardees are postdoctoral scientists whose research spans diverse areas including innate immunity, bioengineering, ecology, astronomy, and neuroimmunology.
Dr. Danielle Stevens of the University of California, Berkeley, is utilizing artificial intelligence to accelerate the engineering of disease-resistant crops. Her work focuses on targeting plant immune receptors with the goal of reducing global pesticide use and enhancing food supply security.
At the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dr. Anna Romanov is applying bioengineering, synthetic biology, and immunology to construct molecular technologies. These tools are designed to elucidate B-cell evolution, with insights intended for the development of novel vaccines and biologic therapies.
Dr. Katherine Lagerstrom, from Princeton University, studies how human-induced changes, such as pollution, antibiotic use, captivity, and human contact, alter animal microbiomes and microbial evolution. Her research specifically investigates the proliferation of antibiotic resistance within the gut microbiome.
Dr. Clarissa Do Ó of the California Institute of Technology is developing the instruments and technologies necessary for imaging planets outside our solar system. This work is foundational for identifying new Earth-like exoplanets orbiting Sun-like stars, thereby deepening the understanding of our own planet's place in the universe.
Dr. Tana Pottorf, based at The Ohio State University, is investigating the role of immune cells, specifically macrophages, following spinal cord injury. Her research aims to develop therapeutic strategies that preserve beneficial immune responses while mitigating chronic inflammation to improve recovery outcomes.
Vox Media Creative will premiere a documentary at the event that delves into the groundbreaking research conducted by these five scientists. Applications for the 2027 L’Oréal for Women in Science grants are currently open.