2021 laureates in Denmark

The L'Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science laureates 2021 in Denmark were celebrated at the Royal Danish Academy of Sciences and Letters the 23rd of September.

The research fields that the three research talents represent are vastly different. 

Post.doc. Patricia Pečnerova from the University of Copenhagen works with DNA from extinct and endangered animal species to investigate what changes have affected them and how we can help endangered animal species such as African elephants in the future.

Doctor and post.doc. Lærke Smidt Gasbjerg from the University of Copenhagen researches the blood flow in the gastrointestinal tract and investigates the importance of intestinal hormones with completely new methods. The results of her research can among other have an impact on the treatment of patients with type 2 diabetes and people with low blood pressure. 

Post.doc. Laura Roman Rivas from Aarhus University researches the interaction between new types of plant-based proteins and starch during processing. The goal of the research is to develop sustainable and nutritious plant-based foods for the world's growing population and to rationalize future food production. 

In his speech, Tomas Hruska, Managing Director L’Oréal Nordic, highlighted that there is still a need to focus on female researchers and show them as role models for younger, female researchers:

“The talents that have been in play to receive the awards this year have had a really high level. They have achieved results and there is great confidence that they will push it far. We hope that with this award we help to focus on female researchers and inspire younger women to choose a career in the world of research. In recent years, we have seen how science can contribute, e.g. in the fight against pandemics and diseases, and the aim of the 'For Women in Science' awards is to bring all talents into play - including the female ones."

Mrs Elsebeth Gerner-Nielsen, Chair of the Danish National Commission for UNESCO, distributed the awards to the three laureates together with Tomas Hruska. Celebrating the three laureates she said: ‘In spite of your youth and your relatively short career, you have already proven that you have the horizon as your line of sight’.

The laureates presented their research projects at the Royal Academy in front of an audience eager to ask questions, contributing to an interesting and lively evening.