UNESCO - United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization

09/19/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 09/19/2025 13:15

Five Visionary Scientists Honored with the 2025 UNESCO-Al Fozan International Prize

The Al Fozan Prize is not just a recognition of my work. It is a recognition of all of those who have been excluded from science for too long.
Dr Rosa Vásquez Espinoza, 2025 Laureate for Latin America and the Caribbean
Created in 2021, the UNESCO-Al Fozan International Prize celebrates five laureates every two years, one from each of regions of the globe, for their work advancing science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). The goal is simple: get more young people excited about STEM, strengthen research and education, and use science to tackle real-world problems to shape a better future for us all.

This year's Laureates show this in action. Mr Ndaudika Mulundileni, the laureate in Africa, equips young students with a STEM education, in hopes of developing future pioneers capable of applying their knowledge to improve the world.

Women face distinct barriers to STEM pathways, with 49% of female scientists reporting workplace sexual harassment and only 22% of all AI professionals being women. Dr Mounia Laassiri, the laureate for the Arab States for her cutting-edge work in particle physics, is fueled by pushing through these barriers and inspiring the next generation.

Being one of a few women in a room means you will face stereotypes, you will face underestimation, and lack of role models.
Dr Mounia Laassiri
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Mentorship for young scientists is key. Dr Rosa Vásquez Espinoza, the laureate for Latin America and the Caribbean, shared how her grandmother taught her to dream ambitiously and "to not ask for permission to do something unique and different." These words continue to shape Espinoza's pivotal work in using chemical biology to protect and restore the Amazon rainforest. Today, Espinoza strives to pass on this wisdom.

Seeing the faces of girls in the Amazon and around the world, who see me and realize they can be scientists too.
Dr Rosa Vásquez Espinoza
Despite their diverse backgrounds and interests, all five laureates are united by a shared pursuit of scientific excellence, driven by a greater purpose. As Europe and North America's laureate, Dr. Kyriaki Michailidou, a leading breast cancer genetics researcher says, "I was a curious child. I always loved to explore things. And I think that curiosity never left."

Curiosity is the engine of innovation in STEM, helping break boundaries and solve tough problems. That's why expanding access to STEM education is crucial - to nurture that spark in the next generation. Asia-Pacific laureate Prof. Lijing Cheng, who moved from mathematics to climate science, offers this advice:
"Try everything. Experience everything. And then find the life you want to live."
UNESCO - United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization published this content on September 19, 2025, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on September 19, 2025 at 19:15 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]