Dr. Al Sawoor specialises in numerical probability analysis and asymptotic analysis, i.e. numerical techniques of linear algebra for big data, at the University of Mosul in Iraq. She is now Senior Lecturer at ICES, the Vendée Catholic Institute, and the University of West Brittany. Each of these remarkable women scientists from Nigeria, Afghanistan, and Iraq had to leave their home countries in order to survive, pursue their studies, and fulfill their passion for serving science.

In today's world, ensuring conducive and secure environments for all female scientists is more critical than ever. During the award ceremony, Deputy Director-General of UNESCO Xing Qu said “Today more than ever it is critical to ensure enabling and safe environments for all female scientists. This Special Tribute adds to the ongoing work of UNESCO’s The World Academy of Sciences for the advancement of science in developing countries, which has been supporting at-risk, displaced and refugee scientists, as well as the organizations that provide for them. These efforts are critical to mitigate the struggles that these scientists endure and ensure that they are able to pursue their research and training. Their expertise, in time, will be critical for rebuilding their home countries”.

This Special Tribute aligns with the ongoing efforts of UNESCO's The World Academy of Sciences, which aims to advance science in developing countries by supporting scientists at risk, those who are displaced, and those who are refugees, along with the organizations that aid them. These initiatives play a vital role in alleviating the challenges these scientists encounter, enabling them to pursue their research and training. In due course, their expertise will be crucial for the reconstruction and development of their home countries.

In a related context, on 19 June 2023, five outstanding young scientists from Egypt, Argentina, Cameroon, China and Serbia were honored with the prestigious UNESCO-AI Fozan International Prize for the Promotion of Young Scientists in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) during a ceremony at UNESCO headquarters in Paris, France. Each laureate received a medal and a prize money of US$50,000.

Among the winners is Dr. Hesham Omran, a 38-year-old Associate Professor at Ain Shams University in Cairo, Egypt. Dr. Omran has developed a groundbreaking toolbox known as the Analog Designer's Toolbox (ADT), which enables scientists and engineers to design more efficient semiconductor chips. The ADT utilizes a novel design methodology that automates the transistor sizing process using precomputed lookup tables. This approach allows for the development of chips that are not only more efficient and reliable but also reduces the time and cost associated with their design. Dr. Omran's innovative work has the potential to revolutionize the semiconductor industry.

These recognitions and prizes underscore the importance of supporting and celebrating exceptional scientists who make significant contributions to their respective fields, advancing knowledge, and driving progress in science and technology.