For Women in Science 2024: Innovations in Textiles, Cybersecurity, and Medicine

L'Oréal and UNESCO believe that the world needs science, and science needs women. This conviction was reaffirmed during the latest award ceremony honoring three intelligent, determined, inspiring, and exceptional Bulgarian women scientists. Dr. Eng. Daniela Atanasova, Dr. Eng. Dimitria Mihaylova, and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Maria Levkova are this year’s recipients of the national "For Women in Science" award for Bulgaria.

The awards were presented for their groundbreaking scientific projects at an official ceremony at Sofia University "St. Kliment Ohridski," with the special participation of Ms. Iliana Yotova, Vice President of the Republic of Bulgaria. This marks the 14th consecutive time the event and program as a whole have been organized by the team of M3 Communications Group, Inc.

"For Women in Science" is one of the most prestigious and anticipated scientific awards in Bulgaria, presented annually by L'Oréal and UNESCO to young women scientists. It is also one of the favorite projects of M3 Communications Group, Inc. The awards aim to support their research careers and motivate them to unleash their full potential for scientific discovery.

The project that earned Dr. Eng. Daniela Atanasova the jury’s admiration in the 2024 "For Women in Science" program focuses on developing an innovative textile material that combines cotton fabric with biopolymers like chitosan and gelatin for cosmetic and medical applications. The material aids in treating skin conditions such as acne, psoriasis, and chronic wounds, improves skin appearance, accelerates regeneration, and slows aging. This success could potentially lead to a new generation of sustainable textile products that significantly enhance the quality of life and options for personalized skincare. Daniela is currently a senior assistant in the "Textiles, Leather, and Fuels" department at the University of Chemical Technology and Metallurgy (UCTM) in Sofia.

Dr. Eng. Dimitria Mihaylova is the second laureate of this year’s "For Women in Science" program. With technological advancements and the emergence of 6G networks, cyber threats are becoming increasingly complex, especially when using artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML). Dimitria’s project focuses on addressing this growing issue by exploring how these technologies can not only serve as tools for attacks but also as powerful instruments for defense. Her goal is to develop innovative algorithms to effectively counteract sophisticated and hard-to-detect cyberattacks, ensuring a safer and more resilient digital environment. The project is of key importance, as it offers solutions to one of the greatest challenges of our time – security in an increasingly interconnected and technology-dependent world. Dimitria is currently a senior assistant in the "Communication Networks" department at the Faculty of Telecommunications at the Technical University of Sofia.

The third 2024 laureate, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Maria Levkova, is developing an innovative project focused on studying the genetic and epigenetic profile of colorectal cancer – the second most common malignancy in Bulgaria in 2023, according to the National Statistical Institute. Her aim is to identify key biomarkers that enable more accurate diagnostics, reliable prognoses, and personalized treatments for patients. The project is of exceptional importance as it addresses a serious health issue and offers methods to improve treatment outcomes and increase survival rates. By studying these biomarkers, physicians will be able to tailor therapies and monitor the risk of recurrence, leading to more effective results for both patients and the healthcare system as a whole. Maria is currently an associate professor in the "Medical Genetics" department at the Medical University of Varna and a medical genetics specialist at St. Marina University Hospital in Varna.

More information about the program and the laureates can be found at zajenitevnaukata.bg.