Winners Announced for the 2026 Nature Awards for Inspiring Women in Science

Nature and The Estée Lauder Companies celebrate a scientific leader advancing research with real-world healthcare applications, and an initiative helping Sudanese young women pursue opportunities in science through education, mentoring and access to global academic networks.

London | New York, 03 November 2026

The Nature Awards and The Estée Lauder Companies are delighted to celebrate the 2026 Inspiring Women in Science Award winners, recognising women who are advancing scientific discovery and helping create pathways for the next generation of women and girls to participate, contribute and thrive in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM):

• Alexandra (Zan) Paterson, University of Kentucky, is the winner of this year's Scientific Achievement Award for her contributions to scientific discovery and her work translating fundamental research into technologies with real-world healthcare applications. Her work combines scientific innovation with a commitment to education, collaboration and widening participation in STEM.
• Share the Knowledge, founded by Taghried Abdelmagid, is the winner of this year's Science Outreach Award for helping Sudanese women and young people pursue careers in science. Through education, mentoring and direct connections with scientists, the initiative brings opportunities and role models closer to those it supports.

Speaking on the awards, Magdalena Skipper, Editor in Chief of Nature, commented:

"The impact of science reaches far beyond any single discovery. It also lies in creating opportunities for others to learn, contribute and build careers of their own. This year's winners demonstrate that beautifully, through research with real-world potential and through work that brings scientific opportunities, connections and role models closer to young women."

Sarah Vickery, Senior Vice President, Global Scientific Communications, Research & Innovation, The Estée Lauder Companies, remarked:

"At The Estée Lauder Companies, we believe scientific progress is strengthened by unique perspectives, bold ideas and opportunities for talent to thrive. Through our longstanding partnership with Springer Nature and these awards, we are proud to recognize this year's winners who exemplify the spirit of scientific discovery and remind us of the power of innovation and education to inspire future generations of women and girls to see what's possible."

Launched in 2018, the Nature Awards for Inspiring Women in Science bring together Nature and The Estée Lauder Companies' shared commitment to science and advancing gender equity in STEM. The awards provide a platform to increase the visibility and retention of women in science, celebrate high-quality research and help strengthen pathways for women and girls through education, while supporting work with the potential to achieve wider real-world impact.

By recognising both scientific achievement and impactful outreach, the awards celebrate outstanding contributions by women in science alongside initiatives that encourage young women and girls to engage with STEM and pursue scientific careers. They aim to amplify voices and perspectives that can be overlooked in science and help inspire the next generation of scientific leaders.

These awards form part of a suite of programmes supporting science communication and recognising the vital role that research plays in society. More information about the awards programme can be found on the Nature Awards website.

Notes to Editors

Judging process:

Winners are selected by a judging panel comprising Nature Portfolio editors, academic scientists, external experts from organisations working to expand access to science for women, and representatives from corporate partner The Estée Lauder Companies.

Each award winner receives US$50,000, mentoring through The Estée Lauder Companies and the opportunity to present their work to company scientists. Winners will also receive coverage on nature.com, and an invitation to the official awards ceremony.

Award Categories:

• The Scientific Achievement Award recognises women researchers who have made an exceptional contribution to scientific discovery and may have faced significant personal or professional challenges.
• The Science Outreach Award is presented for initiatives that encourage girls or young women to engage with STEM subjects or support the retention and career progression of women in STEM.

About Nature Portfolio

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Nature (founded in 1869) is the leading, international weekly journal of science. Nature Portfolio is also home to the Nature research and Nature Reviews journals, the leading open access multidisciplinary journal Nature Communications, and open access journals including Scientific Reports. Together, these journals publish some of the world's most significant scientific discoveries.

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About the Estée Lauder Companies Inc.

The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. is one of the world's leading manufacturers, marketers and sellers of quality skin care, makeup, fragrance and hair care products, and is a steward of luxury and prestige brands globally. The Company's products are sold in approximately 150 countries and territories under brand names including: Estée Lauder, Aramis, Clinique, Lab Series, Origins, M·A·C, La Mer, Bobbi Brown Cosmetics, Aveda, Jo Malone London, Bumble and bumble, Darphin Paris, TOM FORD, Smashbox, AERIN Beauty, Le Labo, Editions de Parfums Frédéric Malle, GLAMGLOW, KILIAN PARIS, Too Faced, Dr.Jart+, the DECIEM family of brands-including The Ordinary, NIOD, Avestan and Loopha-as well as Balmain Beauty and Forest Essentials.

Contact

Daniela Kaltenborn | External Communications | Springer Nature

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