The announcement is in collaboration with the only pan-African Dermatology Conference based in Africa
Two grant winners were selected by an external independent jury of 7 seven experts from Ghana, Burkina Faso, Nigeria among other countries, led by Dr Peninah Kitili, a consultant in pediatrics, dermatology and venereology – the first physician in Kenya to specialise in three fields. 32 research project proposals were received from 13 African countries for the fifth edition of the L’Oréal Africa Hair and Skin Research Grant organized by L’Oréal’s Medical Department, part of L’Oreal Research and Innovation division. An award ceremony on June 20th 2022 was held to honour the winners. Dr Anaba from Nigeria for her topic on “Trichoscopic characteristics of the healthy and richly pigmented scalp of Nigerians” and Dr Cisse from Mali for his topic “Skin microbiota and acne of adult women in Bamako: Case control study” received a grant of 20,000 euros for a one-year research project. The research based on current information is focused on broadening the data on African hair and skin which will translate into new guidelines for hair and skin care for men and women on the continent.
Quotes from previous winner:
“This is an excellent initiative by L’Oréal to encourage research in Africa by Africans on African skin and hair. Thought leaders such as scientists and academics with extraordinary ideas and revolutionary theories for change, can prepare for the future. Developing and testing theories require continuous and consistent research, and this research is dependent on significant investments. While research is an important part of academia, it can also be very expensive. Fortunately, companies like L’Oréal continue to encourage and support research in the field of ethnic skin and hair” Professor Ncoza Dlova, University of Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa, 2015 laureate.
L’Oréal’s commitment to a scientific approach in understanding skin and hair in all its socio-environmental dimensions, is evident in its development of personalised products and is reflected in its support of the Research & Innovation center in Johannesburg, South Africa. The dedication to building research in Africa through collaboration with local dermatologists, scientists and universities has been relentless.
The 3rd biennial congress of the African Society of Dermatology and Venereology (ASDV), held alongside the 16th annual congress of the National Association of Dermatologists in Nigeria, June 22-24, 2022, in Port Harcourt, Nigeria could not be possible without the sponsorship of L’Oréal. Among the attendees, world-renowned experts and past awardees of the L’Oréal Africa research grant will address looking into the future with an innovative medical attention to dermatology for hair and skin care on the continent with participation from health systems and government officials.
Quote from Dr. Michele Verschoore, Medical Director, L’Oréal Research & Innovation, France:
“The objective of the Medical Directorate is to support quality scientific research by dermatologist and scientific researchers from the countries concerned. The new scientific data are the basis for a better understandingof the hygiene and care gestures of each and every one in his environment. We are also working to develop and make more visible the medical and skin scientists in Africa throughtheir scientific publications, during workshops, and through their communication of this work at national and international congresses. For more than 15 years, these efforts have led to the strengthening of skin s research by Africans in Africa.”
The L’Oréal Groupe Research and Innovation division is at the heart of the Group’s strategy as there is no innovation without science, and African hair and skin science is an essential component aligned with L’Oréal’s inclusivitiy vision. L’Oréal Research & Innovation is accelerating its drive for continuous progress, helping all the different types of beauty around the world and the African science contribution is a huge part of this drive. There is a constant search for cutting edge scientific discoveries and the Research Grant supports hair and skin experts in their journey to contribute to scientific knowledge in Africa. Visit: https://www.loreal.com/en/beauty-research-and-innovation/innovating-through-science/
About L’Oréal
L’Oréal has been dedicated to beauty for over 100 years. With its unique international portfolio of 36 diverse and complementary brands, the Group achieved a turnover of €29.87 billion in 2019 and employs 88,000 people worldwide. As a world leader in beauty, L’Oréal is present in all distribution networks: mass distribution, department stores, pharmacies and parapharmacies, hair salons, travel retail, branded retail and e-commerce.
Research and innovation, and a dedicated research team of 4,100 people, are at the heart of L’Oréal’s strategy to meet beauty aspirations around the world. L’Oréal sets ambitious sustainable development goals for the entire group by 2030 and aims to empower its ecosystem for a more inclusive and sustainable society.
For more information: https://mediaroom.loreal.com/
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