Pr. Habiba Bouhamed Chaabouni Wins L'Oreal UNESCO Award

Each year, a jury headed by a Nobel Prize winner awards five female scientists -- one from each continent -- US$100,000 for their research in what are called the L'Oréal-UNESCO Women in Science Awards.

Habiba Bouhamed Chaabouni from Tunisia was awarded for her contribution to the analysis and prevention of hereditary disorders.

Professor of Medical Genetics at the University of Tunis, Habiba Bouhamed Chaabouni has devoted her medical and research career to improving conditions for children and families affected by genetic disorders in Tunisia. A pioneer in her country, she has fought for over 20 years to get medical genetics recognized as an essential discipline, in terms of both research and medical training.

Professor Bouhamed Chaabouni has made significant contributions to medical genetics research by defining the molecular basis of genetic disorders in Tunisia and in gathering information on the genetic characteristics of the Tunisian population through the study of DNA polymorphism.

In addition to contributing to the development of medical education in Tunisia, Habiba Bouhamed Chaabouni has been active in a number of international initiatives related to hereditary disease, including UNESCO’s universal declaration on the human genome and human rights.

Another Tunisian woman, Pr. Zohra Ben Lakhdar, won the award last year for her work in infrared light spectroscopy and its applications in a wide range of fields, from astrophysics to agriculture.

[Source: BabNet]

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