Dr. Barbara Finlayson-Pitts wins 2025 L'Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Award
Professor Barbara Finlayson-Pitts is one of five women worldwide who were recognized as 2025 L'Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Laureates.
The UC Irvine School of Physical Sciences is proud to announce that Barbara Finlayson-Pitts, Distinguished Professor Emerita and Founder and Co-Director of AirUCI, has been named a 2025 L'Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Laureate. This prestigious international award recognizes her pioneering contributions to environmental science and atmospheric chemistry.
Established in 1998, the L'Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science program annually honors five exceptional female scientists, one from each of five global regions: Africa and the Arab States, Asia and the Pacific, Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean, and North America. Professor Finlayson-Pitts represents North America in this year’s cohort of laureates.
The award celebrates Finlayson-Pitts' transformative research in atmospheric chemistry, which has significantly advanced our understanding of air quality and climate change. Her experimental studies on complex atmospheric chemical reactions have provided crucial insights into pollutant formation and transformation, informing environmental policies worldwide.
As Co-Director of UC Irvine’s Atmospheric Integrated Research Institute (AirUCI), Finlayson-Pitts has been at the forefront of addressing critical global health issues related to air pollution. Her work on the interactions between nitrogen oxides and sea salt has revealed key mechanisms in smog formation, contributing to the development of effective pollution control strategies.
A trailblazer in her field, Finlayson-Pitts has inspired generations of scientists and advocates for rigorous, collaborative, and innovative research. Her academic journey serves as inspiration for women and underrepresented groups in STEM, demonstrating her commitment to fostering an inclusive and equitable scientific community.
Dean James Bullock of the School of Physical Sciences commended Finlayson-Pitts, stating, “The UC Irvine community congratulates Professor Finlayson-Pitts on this well-deserved honor. Her research has deepened our understanding of atmospheric processes and will have a lasting impact on environmental health policy and public well-being, both locally and globally.”
The L'Oréal-UNESCO award not only recognizes Professor Finlayson-Pitts' scientific achievements but also empowers her as a role model for aspiring women scientists and future generations.
For more information about her research or the AirUCI Institute, visit: https://www.airuci.uci.edu/