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Dr Chewapreecha, a Wellcome International Intermediate Fellow and computational biologist at NDM's Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, has been announced as the Individual Winner at this year’s Inspiring Women in Science Awards hosted by Nature and The Estée Lauder Companies. She was honoured at a ceremony in London on 31 October.

Dr Claire Chewapreecha receiving the Nature Award for Inspiring Women in Science © Dharmesh Patel

The Inspiring Women in Science awards celebrate and support the achievements of women in science, plus all those who work to encourage girls and young women to engage with STEM subjects and stay in STEM careers around the world. The Scientific Achievement Award recognises early-career women researchers who have made an exceptional, demonstrable contribution to scientific discovery and may have faced significant personal or professional challenges

Dr Chewapreecha leads a team at MORU who collect, sequence, and analyse genetic data from a neglected tropical disease which affects 165,000 people each year and is often fatal. Melioidosis is a bacterial infection with a 10-50% fatality rate that is spread through contact with contaminated soil or water. Dr Chewapreecha is based in Thailand, a hotspot for the disease and her research has recently led to the development of a DNA-based rapid diagnostic test, enabling faster detection and potentially saving lives.

She says: “This award reflects multiple efforts of many people who have been on this journey with me, including my mentors, my colleagues and my team in Thailand and our patients. The award represents the potential of women scientists worldwide, particularly from LMICs. I believe that everyone can make a difference and create impact, and I look forward to more inspiring moments in the future.”

Dr Magdalena Skipper, Editor in Chief of Nature says: “Diversity of thought fuels innovation, so when women and girls are empowered to contribute their skills and talents in research we all benefit from the results. Science shapes the future and it is crucial that women are equally represented in research. We must ensure that girls and women see no limits to their aspirations.”

Lisa Napolione, Senior Vice President, Global R&D, The Estée Lauder Companies adds: "We are delighted to celebrate the seventh year of the Nature Awards for Inspiring Women in Science. Each year, the calibre of applications from around the world gives me great hope, knowing the impact of these women who are at the centre of producing such exceptional research outcomes and those who are working to expand STEM outreach so more girls and young women around the world have the opportunity to do so in the future."

Find out more about Inspiring Women in Science on the Nature Awards website: https://www.nature.com/immersive/inspiringwomeninscience/index.html