Henkel Unveils Next Edition of Martha Schwarzkopf Award for Exceptional Female Scientists

• Henkel awards the Martha Schwarzkopf Award for Women in Science for the fourth time
• The primary award recognizes exceptional, long-term contributions to hair science
• An "Emerging Talent" award is also presented to appreciate and motivate budding female scientists

For the fourth time, Henkel introduce the Martha Schwarzkopf Award for Women in Science with the aim of inspiring and supporting women scientists. Besides the most important award, honoring outstanding long-term achievements in hair science, there is an "Emerging Talent" award published to recognize and encourage young women scientists

Submission by female researchers representing disciplines like natural sciences, cosmetic and material science, biotechnology, mechanical engineering, computer sciences, and medicine is invited, and they may submit their papers in hair science or fiber science or allied branches.

This encompasses investigation of the mechanical properties of fibers, computer simulation of structural and active substance impacts, fiber research models, scientific approaches to surface analysis and fiber structure, and biotechnologically motivated protein and fiber research. The principal award is worth 10,000 euros, whereas the Emerging Talent Award is worth 5,000 euros.

"Scientific development flourishes through diversity, yet women continue to be underrepresented in most areas of research. Henkel is dedicated to strengthening equality and diversity," stated Frank Meyer, Senior Vice President Global R&D at the Henkel Consumer Brands business unit. The prize commemorates Martha Schwarzkopf, an early female leader of German companies and the founder of the Institute for Hair Research.

Nowadays, Schwarzkopf is Henkel's biggest hair care brand, backed by innovations driven by the heritage of the Schwarzkopf Hair Research Institute, with international research centers and academies. The award honors Martha's spirit of entrepreneurship and her leadership at the company and the Institute.

"We are happy to constantly enlarge our network of hair researchers. Former applicants and winners have become important members of this network, and their scientific exchange and collaboration give further momentum to our work. By offering both the principal award for long-term contributions and the Emerging Talent Award, we offer a platform for both experienced female scientists and young up-and-coming researchers to join and contribute to our growing network," said Jessica Welzel, Manager R&D Hair Science at Henkel Consumer Brands and organizer of the Martha Schwarzkopf Award jury.