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​Jasmeen Merzaban, KAUST assistant professor of bioscience, received a L'Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science International Rising Talents award at a ceremony on March 24 in Paris, France for her research contributions to stem cell migration and the glycosciences.

Each year, 15 young female scientists from around the world are presented with the International Rising Talents award to honor their roles in advancing scientific research and to encourage them in their promising careers. This year’s winners were selected by a panel of judges from more than 2,000 nominees from 135 countries.

The award’s objective is to offer recipients the recognition and support they will need to propel their careers forward and improve their visibility. For Merzaban, who joined KAUST in 2009 as a founding faculty member after completing postdoctoral studies at Harvard University, the award highlights the importance of her research on a global scale.

“I am truly honored to have been selected for the award this year,” stated Merzaban. “The award highlights the indispensable role of women scientists and recognizes their ongoing contributions to some of the most important research in human advancement, and will hopefully encourage more young women to be drawn to this enriching field.

“Scientific research is a positive force; it connects humanity toward common goals and brings down boundaries that otherwise divide us. At KAUST, I’ve had the incredible privilege to be part of an institution whose goals in advancing science are ambitions and which offers a supportive environment for us to thrive.”