We are very proud to announce that Anna Jarząb, PhD, Eng, from the Medical Microbiology Laboratory IIET PAS, has been awarded the 25th anniversary edition of the L’Oréal–UNESCO For Women in Science Fellowship in the habilitation category. This is one of the most important awards given to female researchers, proving that science benefits when women’s voices become increasingly heard.
Anna Jarząb, PhD, Eng, specialises in proteomics and protein biochemistry. Her scientific achievements include structural and functional studies of proteins, with particular emphasis on their thermolability and immunogenicity – key issues for understanding the body’s immunity and response to infections. The researcher is also conducting work that may contribute to the development of a vaccine against bacterial dysentery, which is extremely important for protecting the health of children in developing countries. She also analyses the role of infectious fever in the course of infections and its importance in building human immunity.
Her achievements include co-creating the international Meltome Atlas database, numerous publications in prestigious scientific journals, and patents documenting the innovation and practical value of her research.
The L’Oréal–UNESCO Fellowship is not only a recognition of outstanding female researchers, but also an important element in strengthening the position of women in science. For 27 years, L’Oréal and UNESCO have been working together on initiatives to support women in science around the world – to date, more than 4,400 female scientists have been honoured, seven of whom went on to win the Nobel Prize after receiving the award. In Poland, including this year’s edition, 137 female researchers have already been honoured. Among them was another scientist from the Hirszfeld Institute – in 2004, the fellowship was awarded to Prof. Krystyna Dąbrowska, currently head of the Laboratory of Phage Molecular Biology IIET PAS.
These successes confirm that the presence of women in the world of scientific research significantly increases the potential for innovation, and their discoveries influence the development of key areas of contemporary science.
We warmly congratulate them on this exceptional distinction!
More information about this year’s winners: