L’Oréal Türkiye celebrated the International Day of Women and Girls in Science on 11 February with a dedicated event bringing together young women who represent the future of science. Centering equality, fairness, and inclusion in its work, the company welcomed 40 female STEM students at its office to spotlight the inclusive power of science. L’Oréal Türkiye also reaffirmed its long-standing commitment through the “For Women in Science” program, which it has been running for 24 years with the belief that “the world needs science, and science needs women.”
Science is not limited to the laboratory
The event combined the expertise of L’Oréal Türkiye’s Global R&D and Science and Regulatory Affairs teams with the vision of the “For Women in Science” program. Throughout the day, participants explored L’Oréal’s multidisciplinary working culture and discovered career journeys that cross traditional boundaries.
Sessions emphasized that science is not solely a technical field confined to laboratories. It is also a multidimensional structure shaped by ethical principles, legal safeguards, and responsibility, all of which guide the company’s scientific processes.
“Sustainable scientific progress is only possible through ethics, trust, and responsibility”
The opening speech was delivered by Hande Karakülah, L’Oréal Türkiye Legal, Science and Regulatory Affairs Director, who underlined the company’s holistic approach to science.
“Sustainable scientific progress is only possible through ethics, trust, and responsibility. At L’Oréal Türkiye, we approach science with respect for human health, society, and the environment. Ensuring that young women take part in every field of science is crucial for a fairer and more inclusive future.”
Inspiring stories from global experience and role models
One of the key sessions featured Dr. Zehra Kılıç, Senior Scientific Expert in Product Safety at L’Oréal USA Research and Innovation. In her talk titled “Science Without Borders: A Global Career Journey in R&D,” she shared her career path from Türkiye to the United States, the cultural and scientific differences she encountered, and the innovation culture in R&D.
Özlem Yılmaz, L’Oréal Türkiye Science and Regulatory Affairs Director, also shared her professional transition from chemical engineering to her current role, highlighting L’Oréal’s commitment to science and innovation. She provided candid career advice for young women pursuing STEM education.
“Science Beyond the Comfort Zone”
The program continued with an inspiring talk by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Banu İyisan, one of the award recipients of the “For Women in Science” program, carried out in collaboration between L’Oréal Türkiye and UNESCO. In her session titled “Science Beyond the Comfort Zone: Experiments, Mistakes, and Great Successes,” she discussed the role of stepping outside one’s comfort zone in scientific development, the importance of trial-and-error processes in reaching major achievements, and how the program supported her career. She also shared sincere advice with young women studying STEM disciplines.
Supporting equal access to science
L’Oréal Türkiye also recalled that last year, within the scope of 11 February, it distributed science kits to help children engage with science at an early age. Through these initiatives, the company aims not only to support university-level female students, but also to encourage younger age groups to develop curiosity, strengthen their interest in science, and promote equal opportunity in access to science.
With its ongoing efforts on 11 February, L’Oréal Türkiye continues to make the inclusive power of science more visible, support the scientific journeys of women and girls, and inspire the scientists of tomorrow.
