2026 L’Oréal-UNESCO for women in science France award: Nine IP Paris-affiliated researchers and alumnae honoured

Three of this year's laureates are currently conducting research in laboratories at École polytechnique, a founding member school of IP Paris:

Johanna Loyer, at the Computer Science Laboratory of École polytechnique (LIX), focuses on post-quantum cryptography, developing secure encryption methods capable of withstanding future quantum computers.
Sonia Mazelet, at the Centre for Applied Mathematics (CMAP), develops artificial intelligence methods to advance brain imaging and analysis.
Kate Sorg, at the Laboratory for Optics and Biosciences (LOB), investigates unusual DNA structures in microorganisms living in extreme environments.

Read more about the three École polytechnique researchers recognised in 2026

Six other laureates also have academic ties to IP Paris member schools: Justine Duval, Anne Josiane Kouam, Marie-Anne Carpine, Brune Massoulié and Maëlys Solal, who studied or conducted doctoral research at École polytechnique, and Anne Gagneux, an alumna of École nationale des ponts et chaussées (ENPC).

Their research spans a wide range of scientific fields, from artificial intelligence and the energy transition to mathematics, astrophysics and neuroscience.

Organised by the Fondation L’Oréal in partnership with UNESCO and the French Academy of Sciences, the France Young Talents Award supports early-career women researchers, helping them advance their scientific careers and raising the visibility of women in science.

Find out more – Fondation L’Oréal press release (in English)

*CMAP: a joint research unit of the CNRS, École Polytechnique, and the Institut Polytechnique de Paris
*LOB: a joint research unit of the CNRS, INSERM, École Polytechnique, and the Institut Polytechnique de Paris
*LIX: a joint research unit of the CNRS, INRIA, École Polytechnique, and the Institut Polytechnique de Paris