2025 Inspiring Women in Science Award Shortlist Announcement

We are excited to present the shortlists for the 2025 Nature Awards for Inspiring Women in Science. Congratulations to the 13 excellent candidates who have left a strong impression on the judges panel with their excellent achievements and wonderful outreach activities. 

Shortlist for Scientific Achievement

We are proud to introduce the outstanding women leading pioneering research and inspiring future generations in STEM. These finalists have made remarkable contributions to science, and we are honoured to celebrate their achievements 👩🔬. 

🔹 Mette Bendixen researches the global impacts of sand mining and drives equity in science through mentorship, leadership, and systemic change. 

🔹 Valerie De Anda explores extreme environments to reveal how microbial metabolism shapes life on Earth, while mentoring and creating opportunities for minorities in science. 

🔹 Madeline Green develops DNA tools to trace seafood supply chains, combat illegal fishing, and protect endangered species. 

🔹 Catherine Kegakilwe Koofhethile investigates persistent HIV-1 reservoirs and T-cell immunity in adolescents, while mentoring young scientists and engaging communities. 

🔹 Triin Laisk researches the genomic epidemiology of women’s health to improve prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. 

🔹 Sue Han Lee pioneers AI-driven solutions in plant biodiversity and sustainable agriculture, strengthening conservation and environmental resilience. 

🔹 Attya OMER develops chemotherapy-free gene therapies to make stem cell transplantation safer and more accessible, while mentoring future scientists. 

🔹 Nako Nakatsuka, Ph.D. creates nanoscale biosensors to detect molecular markers and advance understanding of brain disorders such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. 

Shortlist for Science Outreach

We are honoured to recognise the extraordinary initiatives working to inspire and empower women and girls in STEM worldwide. These programmes are breaking barriers and creating opportunities for a more inclusive future in science 👩🔬. 

🔹 Maheera Abdul Ghani, Ph.D founded WinSci Pakistan to support women in STEM through workshops, mentoring, and scholarships, helping them escape poverty and spark change. 

🔹 Njeri Ann leads Elimisha Mischana Elimisha Jamii, a grassroots initiative advancing STEM education for girls in rural Kenya and Uganda through mentorship, teacher training, and lab development. 

🔹 Daniela E. Q. heads content at Fundación Ingeniosas in Chile, bridging science, education, and gender equity to inspire the next generation of women in STEM. 

🔹 Dr Kolisa Yola Sinyanya (PhD) founded Ulwazi for Women in STEM, which empowers early-career researchers through communication training, mentorship, and research development support. 

🔹 Astrid Viveros is the director of Technolochicas, a programme reaching over 65,000 girls in Mexico and the U.S. with hands-on coding, AI, and technology courses led by women role models. 

Congratulations to all the shortlisted candidates! Find out who wins this year’s #InspiringWomenInScience on 15 October. 

Learn more about their work at: https://go.nature.com/46DxvRb