Registration for Mid-Career Scientist & Senior Scientist Category are below
the Science Prize
The United States Government, in partnership with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and Underwriters Laboratories, aims to strengthen ASEAN science and technology capacity and gender equality through an annual Underwriters Laboratories-ASEAN-U.S. Science Prize for Women (“Prize”). The 2021 Prize will provide promising, ASEAN-national, Mid-career and Senior female scientists with recognition awards from ASEAN and the United States government and Underwriters Laboratories for their academic and professional achievements.
The 2021 Prize will emphasize the role of female scientists who have used their work to improve the society in sustainable ways and have acted as role models for other women learning, working in and pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). This year, the Prize focuses on the theme of Clean Water and Clean Air.
Along with recognition for their achievements, the winner of each category is eligible to receive cash awards of $15,000 for the Senior Scientist and $10,000 for the Mid-career Scientist.
About Us
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
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.
UNDERWRITERS LABORATORIES
Underwriters Laboratories is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the UL public safety mission through the discovery and application of scientific knowledge. We conduct rigorous independent research and analyze safety data, convene experts worldwide to address risks, share knowledge through safety education and public outreach initiatives, and develop standards to guide safe commercialization of evolving […]
Clean Water and Clean Air
Southeast Asia, a home for more than 649 million inhabitants, is expected to grow to 660 million by 2025 [[1]]. The rising population will impact the people’s quality of life due to lack of access to clean water and uncontrolled air pollution.
Approximately 844 million people live with lack of access to safe and clear water worldwide, of whom around 110 million are located in Southeast Asia [2]. Cambodia (64,8%), Indonesia (73,7%), Lao PDR (77,5%) and Myanmar (80,2%) are the four countries in the region which have the lowest percentage access to safe drinking water. Only Singapore and Brunei Darussalam have a 100% access to safe drinking water [3].
Clean air is another environmental problem in Southeast Asia. Fast urbanization, forest fire and fossil burning cause air pollution in the region. Air pollution causes health problems, particularly for lung diseases and cardiovascular system. Industry, transportation and fossil power plants are major contributors to air pollution. As a result, air pollution continues to increase at an alarming rate that can affect people’s quality of life.
Against this backdrop, the 2021 Underwriters Laboratories-ASEAN-U.S. Science Prize for Women will focus on clean water and clean air which are not limited to access to clean & safe water and air pollution only, but also emphasize how science, technology and innovation can bring about positive outcomes and by improving water or air quality for ASEAN. The prize contest is open to female applicants in two categories (Mid-career and Senior Scientists) who are engaged in research related to the clean water and clean air in the region and who are role models for other women working in and pursuing careers in STEM fields. Applications are welcome from researchers or lecture in universities or research institutes as well as from scientists / researchers / experts / technologists / innovators from governmental bodies and private sector or even any environmental activists from Civil Society Organizations (CSO) or Non-Government Organizations (NGO).
[1] ASEAN Secretariat Yearbook 2019, Jakarta: ASEAN Secretariat, December 2019.
[2] Sam Geal, https://www.thethirdpole.net/2019/11/20/southeast-asia-and-the-right-to-safe-water/, November 2019
[3] ASEAN Statistical Leaflet 2019, https://www.aseanstats.org/publication/asean-statistical-leaftlet-2019/, September 2019
Past Finalists
Recent Winners:
Dr. Yoke Fun Chan – Malaysia – ASEAN-U.S. Science Prize for Women 2020 Winner
Dr. Yan Zhou – Singapore – ASEAN-US Science Prize for Women 2019 Winner
Dr. Gay Jane Perez – Philippines – ASEAN US Science Prize for Women 2018 Winner
Dr. Nguyen Thi Hiep – Vietnam – ASEAN-US Science Prize for Women 2017 Winner
Dr. Worajit Setthapun – Thailand – ASEAN – US Science Prize for Women 2016 Winner
Recent Honorable Mentions:
Dr. Shefaly Shorey – Singapore – ASEAN-U.S. Science Prize for Women 2020 – Honorable Mention 2020
Dr. Mary Donnabelle Balela – Philippines – ASEAN-US Science Prize for Women – Honorable Mention 2019
Dr. Samsuzana Abd Aziz – Malaysia – ASEAN-U.S. Science Prize for Women – Honorable Mention 2018
Dr. Chong Mei Fong – Malaysia – ASEAN-US Science Prize for Women – Honorable Mention 2017
Dr. Sharifah Rafidah Wan Alwi – Malaysia – ASEAN-US Science Prize for Women – Honorable Mention 2016
Past National Finalists:
Dr. Janice Lee – Singapore – ASEAN-U.S. Science Prize for Women 2018 National Finalist 2018
Dr. Fitriya N. Dewi – Indonesia – ASEAN-US Science Prize for Women – National Finalist 2017
Dr. Reasmey Tan – Cambodia – ASEAN-US Science Prize for Women National Finalist 2016