In a prestigious ceremony at the Serbian Government, Ana S. Dobrota, Isidora Kešelj, and Milica Radaković were honoured with the 2023 “Women in Science” awards.
This recognition celebrates their exceptional contributions to the scientific community.
Ana Dobrota, a Doctor of Physical Chemistry at the Faculty of Physical Chemistry in Belgrade, has been recognized for her significant research in her field. Isidora Kešelj, an assistant professor in Animal Physiology at the Department of Biology and Ecology of the Faculty of Sciences, focuses on solutions for male infertility. Milica Radaković, based at the Faculty of Sciences in Novi Sad, is renowned for her work on climate change and environmental studies.
The awards were presented by Jelena Begović, Minister of Science, Technological Development, and Innovation, Goran Milašinović, President of the Serbian Commission for Cooperation with UNESCO, and Ana Popara, Director for Scientific and Regulatory Affairs for the Adria Balkan region and Romania at L’Oréal.
Minister Begović highlighted the program’s success, which, over 13 years, has awarded 38 women with a total of 20 million dinars, encouraging them to continue their research work. She noted that while women represent 33.3% of scientists, only 4% have received Nobel Prizes.
In Europe, only 18% of women hold high academic positions. In Serbia, women constitute 50% of the student body and doctoral graduates. Remarkably, women lead nine out of the eleven institutes at the University of Belgrade.
The L’Oréal-UNESCO ‘For Women in Science’ program has recognized 4,000 women from 116 countries since its inception. Seven laureates have gone on to win Nobel Prizes, including two this year.
Ana Popara emphasized the honor of having three Serbian women receive the award this year, joining a special global community. The national award ceremony, part of the 13th cycle of the L’Oréal-UNESCO ‘For Women in Science’ program, was organized by the Ministry of Science, Technological Development, and Innovation, the Serbian Commission for Cooperation with UNESCO, and L’Oréal Balkan. Each laureate receives €5,000 to support their research projects.
Photo: nitra.gov.rs