L’Oréal Türkiye came together with young women representing the future of science on the occasion of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science as part of its “For Women in Science” program.
According to a company statement, L’Oréal Türkiye, which has been running the “For Women in Science” program for 24 years and has embraced a vision of women’s empowerment for 40 years, hosted 40 female students studying in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) fields at its office, highlighting the inclusive power of science.
The event combined the expertise of L’Oréal Türkiye’s Global R&D, science, and regulatory departments with the vision of the “For Women in Science” program. Young talents were informed about the company’s multidisciplinary work culture and diverse career paths.
During sessions held throughout the day, it was emphasized that science is not limited to laboratories or technical fields, but rather has a multidimensional structure shaped by ethical values and legal safeguards that also underpin the company’s scientific processes.
Participants shared insights into their scientific career journeys, global R&D experiences, and interdisciplinary fields of work.
Dr. Zehra Kılıç, Senior Scientific Expert in Product Safety at L’Oréal Americas Research and Innovation, delivered a session titled “Science Without Borders: A Global Career Journey in R&D,” where she discussed her career path from Türkiye to the United States, the cultural and scientific differences she encountered, and her approach to innovation in R&D.
Özlem Yılmaz, L’Oréal Türkiye Science and Regulatory Director, also shared her career journey from chemical engineering to her current role, the company’s commitment to science and innovation, and career advice for young women studying in STEM fields.
The program continued with a speech titled “Science Beyond the Comfort Zone: Experiments, Mistakes and Major Achievements” by Associate Professor Dr. Banu İyisan, an award recipient of the 23rd year of the “For Women in Science” Program conducted in collaboration with L’Oréal Türkiye and UNESCO.
In her speech, İyisan highlighted the importance of stepping outside one’s comfort zone in scientific development, the role of trial-and-error processes on the path to success, the program’s contribution to her career, and career recommendations for young women in STEM.
Last year, as part of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science on Feb. 11, L’Oréal Türkiye distributed science kits to support children’s introduction to science.
Placing equality, fairness, and inclusivity at the core of its activities, the company aims not only to support university-aged young women but also to inspire younger age groups to engage with science, strengthen their curiosity, and promote equal opportunities in access to science, guided by the principle that “The world needs science, and science needs women.”
Through initiatives carried out within the scope of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, L’Oréal Türkiye continues to support the scientific journeys of women and girls and to highlight the inclusive nature of science.
Commenting in the statement, L’Oréal Türkiye Legal, Science and Regulatory Affairs Director Hande Karakülah emphasized the company’s holistic approach to science.
“Sustainable scientific progress is only possible with ethics, trust, and responsibility. At L’Oréal Türkiye, we approach science with respect for human health, society, and the environment. Ensuring that young women take part in every field of science is of great importance for a more just and inclusive future,” she said.
Source: Anadolu Ajansı/ Prepared by: İlayda Gök