Muslim women honored for their outstanding research work in the physical sciences

chemistry

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Two Muslim scientists from Asia have won the 2018 OWSD-Elsevier Foundation Award that honors high achieving women researchers from the developing world. It is an ode to women in science who have dedicated themselves to improving the lives of others in their communities.

Hasibun Naher from Bangladesh and Witri Wahyu Lestari from Indonesia were awarded a cash prize of US$5,000 at the annual meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), which took place in Austin last month.

Dr. Witri Wahyu Lestari from the Sebelas Maret University in Indonesia received the award for her research on organometallic and co-ordination chemistry.  Dr. Lestari is a junior lecturer, her research focuses on advanced materials having widespread applications in areas such as molecular magnets, gas separation and storage, selective drug synthesis and delivery and environmental protection. As an example her work in Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) has enabled improvements in their use in fluorescence and as catalysts in energy conversion, methane and hydrogen storage, as well as in CO2 capture to reduce the greenhouse effect.

“As a chemist, the award from OWSD and the Elsevier Foundation is like an additional catalyst for me to be more productive in work, conducting research, educating and inspiring my students,” said Lestari. “Providing benefits to society and humanity are also main goals for me.”

Dr Hasibun Naher from Bangladesh is an associate professor of mathematics in the department of mathematics and natural sciences at Brac University was awarded the prize for her work in nonlinear partial differential equations. Her most recent contributions on tsunami simulation and research on travelling waves earned her recognition among four other early-career researchers.

“This prestigious award makes me more confident that I will reach my goals, by doing research in various fields in collaboration with international scientists and researchers from developed countries,” said Naher. “Since my childhood I have always thought about how to motivate female students in STEM to help them have prosperous lives in developing countries. I hope this award helps me to fulfill my dream.”

The two women are also credited with mentoring budding young scientists and motivating them to overcome the challenges they face as they pursue their passion for science.

The OWSD-Elsevier Foundation awards are part of a seven year partnership between the two organizations. The Elsevier Foundation supports knowledge centers around the world that focus on innovations in health, STEM education, research and technology for development. Whereas the Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD) provides research training, career development and networking opportunities for women scientists throughout the developing world.

Sources:

http://www.thedailystar.net/city/bangladeshi-scholar-wins-intl-award-1536748

https://www.elsevier.com/connect/elsevier-at-aaasmtg-live-updates-with-women-in-science-winners

https://www.elsevier.com/about/press-releases/corporate-social-responsibility/five-women-scientists-in-developing-countries-win-2018-owsd-elsevier-foundation-awards

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