Dr Emily Jones awarded L'Oreal-UNESCO For Women in Science Fellowship
Dr Emily Jones, research fellow at the Centre for Brain and Cognitive Development, has been awarded one of the 2013 For Women in Science Fellowships.
We're delighted to announce that Dr Emily Jones, a research fellow at Birkbeck’s Centre for Brain and Cognitive Development, has been awarded one of the 2013 L’Oréal-UNESCO UK & Ireland For Women in Science Fellowships (FWIS). She was of eight finalists and succeeded in gaining one of the four awards in recognition of her work on the role of automatic control and social learning in the field of cognitive psychology. She said: 'I am privileged to receive the L'Oreal-UNESCO Women in Science fellowship. The fellowship will allow me to buy crucial equipment that I require to investigate the link between attention and arousal in the development of autism. Combining a research career with family responsibilities can be challenging, and the flexible support provided by the fellowship will help me achieve the right balance.'
Dr Jones is part of Professor Mark Johnson's research group at Birkbeck's Babylab. She has a particular interest in the early development of basic skills in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, since this can shed light on the causes behind the condition and show where early intervention can be most effective. Professor Mark Johnson commented: 'I am delighted that Dr Jones has received this highly-competitive fellowship, which includes all areas of science across the UK. The award reflects her exceptional abilities as a scientist, as well as a remarkable capacity to combine a busy schedule of scientific research work while having a young family.'
Breaking down the barriers to a career in science
The ‘For Women in Science’ award is in its seventh year and this year’s four winners were chosen by a jury of scientists headed by Professor Frances Ashcroft FRS, Royal Society GlaxoSmithKline Research Professor at the University of Oxford and FWIS International Laureate. FWIS was founded by L’Oréal and UNESCO to address the low percentage of women in SET occupations and to promote the greater participation of women in science by offering awards to outstanding female postdoctoral researchers. The fellowships, each worth £15,000, have been designed to provide flexible financial help and the winners may choose to spend their award on buying scientific equipment, paying for childcare, travel, or whatever they may need in order to continue their research.