Sixth ASEAN-U.S. Science Prize for Women focuses on preventive healthcare

Today, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the U.S. Government, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), in partnership with Underwriters Laboratories (UL), launched the call for application of the sixth annual ASEAN-U.S. Science Prize for Women.

The 2020 Science Prize for Women will focus on ‘’Preventive Healthcare’’ as its theme this year and award two female scientists from the ASEAN region. The ASEAN Committee on Science, Technology and Innovation (COSTI) will lead the selection committee and present a $20,000 award to the selected participant who demonstrates the best application of original scientific research to this year’s theme. A second prize of $5,000 will be given to a scientist whose application merits an honorable mention. The top two finalists will be recognised at the ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Science, Technology, and Innovation in Bangkok, in October 2020.

This year’s theme is meant to underscore the importance of elevating the regional wellbeing of ASEAN citizens through the prevention of illness and associated risks. In addition to recognising the participants’ significant work in reducing disease and illness, the prize will raise public awareness about the importance of preventive health care and spur action in leading a healthier lifestyle.

Singapore COSTI Chairman and Special Advisor to Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) Dr. Raj. Thampuran said, “preventive healthcare is vitally important to societal development where ASEAN is a region with its distinctive issues and medical practices. Talented women working in this field make profound contributions to improving health and palliative care to millions of people.‘’

‘’With this prize, we hope to draw attention to women role models who are inspirations and set high standards of excellence in the disciplines of science, technology, engineering and mathematics,” he added.

“Research in preventive healthcare is critical to the advancement of public health and safety,” said Cara Gizzi, Vice President of Education and Outreach at UL. “We are proud to partner with USAID and COSTI to elevate the work of these scientists. They will continue to inform and inspire change across ASEAN & beyond.”

“The U.S. Government is proud to promote, along with ASEAN and UL, the work of women scientists.  We believe that this year’s theme of preventive healthcare is a critical one for the future sustainability and well-being of the region. Preventive healthcare initiatives can reduce the burden of disease and elevate ASEAN’s regional health preparedness and resilience,” said Melissa A. Brown, Chargé d’Affaires, a.i. of the U.S. Mission to ASEAN. “The 2020 Science Prize for Women showcases the role of female scientists in conducting innovative research that bolsters efforts to ultimately prevent epidemics, inspire a healthier lifestyle, and lift the ASEAN economy due to health-related cost-savings,” Chargé d’Affaires Brown concluded.

The ASEAN-U.S. Science Prize for Women, sponsored by UL, is one of the many U.S. initiatives in support of ASEAN. The United States collaborates with ASEAN to propel economic integration, expand maritime cooperation, cultivate emerging leaders, promote opportunities for women, and address transnational challenges. Through USAID’s cooperation with ASEAN, the United States Government addresses the root causes of poverty and instability and is committed to advancing prosperity and security in the Indo-Pacific.

Applications and nominations will be accepted by email at scienceprize4women@gmail.com from 25 November 2019 – 31 January, 2020. Applicants should be an ASEAN citizen, aged 45 or under, and should be holders of a doctoral degree. More detailed information on the prize and its application requirements can be found at the 2020 ASEAN-U.S. Science Prize for Women website. For additional information, contact USAID ASEAN Communications and Outreach Specialist, Samara Sanders at: jakartausaidasean@usaid.gov

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About ASEAN

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) brings together Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Viet Nam in a community united by a collective will to promote lasting peace, security and stability, sustained economic growth, shared prosperity and social progress.

About USAID

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is the lead U.S. Government agency that works to promote and demonstrate democratic values and advance a free, peaceful and prosperous world. Through international development programs and disaster assistance, USAID partners to save lives, reduce poverty, strengthen democratic governance, and help people emerge from humanitarian crises, progress beyond assistance and attain self-reliance.

About UL

UL helps create a better world by applying science to solve safety, security, and sustainability challenges.  We empower trust by enabling the safe adoption of innovative new products and technologies. Everyone at UL shares a passion to make the world a safer place. All of our work, from independent research and standards development, to testing and certification, to providing analytical and digital solutions, helps improve global well-being. Businesses, industries, governments, regulatory authorities and the public put their trust in us so they can make smarter decisions. To learn more about our nonprofit activities, visit UL.org. To learn more about our business solutions, visit UL.com