Introducing the 2026 L’Oréal-UNESCO for Women in Science Awardees

On October 22, Vox is hosting a panel and reception to honor the 2026 L'Oréal-UNESCO for Women in Science Award recipients, marking their second year of celebrating these exceptional scientists. The program, part of the global L'Oréal-UNESCO for Women in Science initiative, recognizes five women postdoctoral researchers whose work spans various scientific fields.

Dr. Danielle Stevens from the University of California, Berkeley is investigating innate immunity and computational biology. She aims to use artificial intelligence to accelerate the development of disease-resistant crops, with the ultimate goal of reducing global pesticide usage and safeguarding our food supply.

Dr. Anna Romanov from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology is delving into bioengineering, synthetic biology, and immunology. Her research focuses on building molecular technologies that illustrate how B-cells evolve, which could significantly contribute to vaccine and biologic therapy advancements.

Princeton University's Dr. Katherine Lagerstrom is studying ecology and evolutionary biology. She examines the impact of human-driven changes, such as pollution, antibiotics, captivity, and human contact, on animal microbiomes and microbial evolution, including the spread of antibiotic resistance in the gut microbiome.

Caltech's Dr. Clarissa Do Ó specializes in astronomy and planetary sciences. Her team is developing tools and technologies to photograph planets beyond our solar system, paving the way for the discovery of new Earth-like planets orbiting Sun-like stars. This research will deepen our understanding of where our planet fits within the vast expanse of the universe.

Finally, Dr. Tana Pottorf from The Ohio State University is focused on neuroimmunology. Her research aims to investigate the role of immune cells, specifically macrophages, following spinal cord injury. The goal is to develop therapies that maintain the beneficial effects of these cells while minimizing chronic inflammation and enhancing recovery.

At the event, Vox Media Creative will unveil five short documentaries showcasing the groundbreaking work of these scientists. In addition, applications for the 2027 L'Oréal for Women in Science grants are now open, providing further opportunities for women scientists to pursue their research endeavors.