The award promotes female leadership in Latin American science and makes visible the work of young researchers who transform knowledge into action.

The peruvian scientist Dennisse Cinthya Ruelas was one of the three winners of the 2025 edition of the program "Para las Mujeres en la Ciencia" promoted by L'Oréal Groupe and UNESCO, which recognized researchers from Peru, Colombia and Ecuador for their contribution to science, innovation and sustainable development in Latin America.

The award ceremony was held in Bogota, Colombia where the winners were awarded a grant of USD $10,000 to support the continuation of their scientific projects. Since its creation in 1988, the program has awarded 4,400 women in 140 countries, consolidating itself as one of the most important initiatives for closing the gender gap in science and promoting women´s participation in STEM disciplines (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics)

Dennisse Ruelas, biologist and researcher in Andean biodiversity, was awarded for her project "Radiación en los Andes: historia evolutiva y diversificación del género de roedores más diverso de Sudamérica" which aims to reconstruct the evolutionary history of the species of the genus Thomasomys, a group of small mammals that is one of the most diverse in the Tropical Andes. Her research, pioneering in Latin America, combines advanced genomic tools with the study of more than 100 specimens in museums in Colombia, Peru, Ecuador and Bolivia, contributing key information for the preservation of the Andean ecosystem and the training of new peruvian scientists.

"The world needs more science, and science needs more women. Through this program we reaffirm our commitment to equal opportunities and the construction of a more inclusive scientific ecosystem, capable of responding to the challenges of our region" said Eduardo Gotuzzo, president of L'Oréal Groupe of Central America and Andean Region.

On his side, UNESCO highlights the role of the program to visualize leadership of the Latin American women scientists and their impact on sustainable development." Each discovery made by women opens new possibilities for humanity. Knowledge shaped by women illuminates the road to a fairer and more equitable future" said Tatiana Villegas, the representative of UNESCO in Ecuador.

Globally only 33% of people that dedicate to scientific research are women, according to data of United Nations.

In the case of Peru, this recognition coincides with UNESCO efforts over its 30 years in the country, which promote many initiatives to strengthen gender equality in science, promote STEM majors among young women and to highlight the contributions of the peruvian women scientist at the country and internationally. Programs like Para las Mujeres en la Ciencia" (on Alliance with L'Oréal) specialized mentors and pilot projects that aim to capture the attention of the children and youth in these disciplines, the organization wants to open more spaces for peruvian female talent to be recognized and drive the country's transformation.

Since their implementation in Latin America, the program For Women in Science has the support of strategic partner universities like "el Colegio Mayor de Nuestra Señora del Rosario (Universidad del Rosario)", "la Universidad Técnica Particular de Loja (UTPL) and la Universidad Espíritu Santo (UEES)", reaffirming the commitment to science and equality.