2025 L'Oréal Unesco For Women in Science Fellowships awarded

Amsterdam, 17 April 2025 – The Dutch Network of Women Professors (LNVH) is delighted to congratulate the four scientists who have been awarded a prestigious For Women in Science (FWiS) Fellowship today. The fellowships have been granted to Trang Duong, Jolien Francken, Džemila Šero, and Iris Walraven in recognition of their outstanding contributions to science.

During a celebratory ceremony at the NEMO Science Museum in Amsterdam, and in the presence of the State Secretary for Emancipation, Mariëlle Paul, each laureate received a €30,000 fellowship. This funding will enable them to pursue their research during a five-month residency at the Netherlands Institute for Advanced Study (NIAS-KNAW), where—freed from administrative, clinical, and teaching duties—they will work on the next steps in their academic careers within an international, interdisciplinary research community.

As a founding partner, LNVH is proud to contribute to this important initiative, which offers well-deserved recognition to women scientists and enhances the visibility of female academic talent in the Netherlands. The fellowships are a joint initiative of L’Oréal Groupe in the Benelux, the Netherlands Commission for Unesco, NIAS-KNAW, NEMO Science Museum, and the LNVH.

A special highlight this year was the participation of a secondary school class, underlining the program’s role in inspiring the next generation to consider a future in science. State Secretary Mariëlle Paul emphasized the importance of representation, stating: “The FWiS awards shine a spotlight on brilliant women in science. They serve as powerful role models for girls envisioning their futures. Female talent deserves the space to thrive.”

Although women still make up less than 30% of full professors across Europe—with the Netherlands slightly below average at 28.7%—this program underscores that progress is possible. Particularly in the Life Sciences and STEM disciplines, strengthening female leadership remains critically important.

Launched in 1998 by L’Oréal and Unesco, the global FWiS programme has since supported more than 4,400 women scientists worldwide, including six Nobel Laureates. In the Netherlands, the program has been running since 2012 with the active involvement of LNVH.

We look forward to following the progress and impact of the research of these four inspiring fellows and remain committed as a network to advancing an inclusive and equitable academic landscape.

Below you’ll find all information on the laureates and their research.
Find all information on the FWiS programme here.

Jolien Francken (University of Amsterdam)

A Philosophical Toolbox for Neuroscientists

In my research, I explore how our brains function—especially processes such as memory and consciousness. Consciousness seems straightforward to study because it feels so familiar, yet it’s incredibly complex to measure. We can study it in different ways, in humans or mice, for example, but those measurements often produce results that are hard to reconcile.

With the support of the For Women in Science Fellowship, I aim to achieve two goals: first, to gain a deeper understanding of what it actually means to ‘measure’ something; and second, to develop a kind of philosophical ‘toolbox’ for neuroscientists—a set of conceptual tools to help improve measurement methods. I believe this flexible framework could also be of value to other scientific fields. More broadly, I hope my work helps people better understand how measurement works, and how we can improve it—in both science and society.

Dr. Jolien Francken’s exceptional research bridges the fields of neuroscience and philosophy. The jury praised her for the academic excellence and interdisciplinary relevance of her project to the NIAS environment. Her ability to articulate a clear connection between two very different disciplines sets her work apart.

Watch Jolien's introduction video.

Trang Duong (University of Twente & IHE Delft)

How Knowledge of Historic Floods Can Help Protect Coastal Communities

Coastal storm surges pose a major risk to people living near the sea—an issue that is only worsening with climate change and rising sea levels. Through my For Women in Science Fellowship project, I want to contribute to tackling this challenge. Building on my expertise in simulating flood damage from severe storms—such as Storm Xynthia, which hit France in 2010—I now want to answer two key questions:

First, what would the damage look like if such a storm were to strike again in the future, with higher sea levels but without additional flood defenses? And second, what extra measures would be most effective in reducing that damage?

I am convinced that my research will provide critical insights to support policymakers in making informed decisions about coastal management. It will contribute to a more climate-resilient Europe and support the development of smart strategies to protect vulnerable coastal regions around the world.

Dr. Trang Duong’s research on climate resilience in coastal areas was commended for its international relevance. The jury also recognized the strong practical applicability of her project, especially in the face of rising sea levels and increasingly extreme weather events.

Watch Trang's introduction video.

Iris Walraven (Radboudumc)

Explainable AI for Patients: Making Informed Decisions in Lung Cancer Treatment

My research focuses on how we can use artificial intelligence (AI) to support lung cancer patients in choosing the best possible treatment. It’s important to me that everyone—regardless of how familiar they are with medical language—can understand what the AI is advising.

That’s why I’m developing ways to make AI recommendations more comprehensible. I tailor this work to each patient’s individual situation and values, and I co-create accessible narratives with patients to ensure clarity. My goal is to empower every patient, regardless of background, to make an informed and meaningful decision about their treatment.

Dr. Iris Walraven’s ambitious research stood out to the jury for its strong societal relevance and its positive impact on both patients and clinicians. Her multidisciplinary approach impressed the panel and showcased the strength of research that bridges academic fields.

Watch Iris's introduction video.

Džemila Šero (University of Twente)

Artist Fingerprints: Using AI to Analyze Cultural Heritage

Artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming increasingly important across scientific disciplines. In the study of cultural heritage and art, however, its potential remains largely untapped. One promising area is the analysis of fingerprints on artworks.

There is currently no standardized method for collecting or analyzing these prints, and AI is barely being applied. While computers are already effective at analyzing damaged fingerprints on paper, these technologies haven’t yet been used for art objects. With the For Women in Science Fellowship, I aim to change that by focusing on the virtual analysis of fingerprints on terracotta artworks, using cutting-edge imaging techniques.

Dr. Džemila Šero was selected for her highly original work in Heritage Biometrics. By applying advanced scanning technologies, she uncovers hidden traces left by artists on centuries-old sculptures. Her innovative fusion of art history, forensic science, and image analysis opens an exciting new chapter in the study of cultural heritage.

Watch Džemila's introduction video.