The 2025 L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science International Awards will honor five trailblazing researchers, including Tsinghua University’s Professor Wang Xiaoyun, for their groundbreaking contributions to STEM fields. Announced on Monday, the laureates were selected from 466 global nominees through a rigorous evaluation process.
Cryptography Pioneer Inspires New Generation
Professor Wang earned recognition for her revolutionary work in cryptography and cryptographic mathematics, which exposed critical vulnerabilities in widely used hash functions. UNESCO highlighted that her research directly informed new international security standards for data communication and storage. "Her visibility has encouraged many female students to pursue mathematics and cybersecurity careers," the organization stated.
Global Excellence in STEM
Joining Wang are four other laureates: South Africa’s Professor Priscilla Baker (electrochemistry), Germany’s Professor Claudia Felser (quantum materials), Argentina’s Professor Maria Teresa Dova (particle physics), and U.S. Professor Barbara Finlayson-Pitts (atmospheric chemistry). Each was celebrated for both scientific innovation and efforts to empower women in STEM.
The awards ceremony will take place June 12 at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, spotlighting how these researchers are reshaping global scientific landscapes while addressing critical technological and environmental challenges.
