British scientist named l'oréal laureate 2009

British scientist, Athene Donald was crowned European Laureate 2009 as part of the prestigious L'Oréal UNESCO Awards For Women in Science.

The Professor of Experimental Physics at Cambridge University will be one of the only five exceptional female scientists from around the world to win the award, which for ten years has celebrated the achievements made by women in science.

Chosen on her merit of her scientific excellence, Athene Donald impressed judges with her work in ravelling the mysteries of the physics of materials ranging from ice-cream to cement.

Created in 1998, L'Oréal UNESCO Awards For Women in Science were established as the first international awards dedicated to women scientists around the world. More than 10 years and 57 Laureates later, the programmed is a benchmark of international scientific excellence.

"We set out to change perceptions of women in science by recognising the role and significance of women scientists," commented Jennifer Campbell, director, partnerships and philanthropy at L'Oréal.

"We were struck by how she [Athene] inspires young female scientists to combine work with family life and reach the highest echelons of science."

The laureates serve as role models for future generations, encouraging young women around the world to follow their footsteps