Durban scientist Professor Quarraisha Abdool Karim received the L’Oréal-UNESCO Women in Science Award in Paris on Thursday night in recognition for her “remarkable contribution to the prevention and treatment of HIV and associated infections and greatly improving the quality of life of women in Africa”. Prof Quarraisha Abdool Karim laureate L Oreal Unesco : the contribution of women in science is growing and growing. pic.twitter.com/oue0tTQZJa— SciencesFilles (@SciencesFilles) March 24, 2016HIVAbdool Karim co-led the landmark CAPRISA 004 tenofovir gel trial that provided the first clinical evidence that an antiretroviral microbicide can prevent sexually transmitted HIV infection.Her main research focuses on understanding the evolving HIV epidemic in South Africa‚ how teenage girls acquire the HIV infection and sustainable ways to implement antiretroviral therapy in resource-strained areas.Nominations for the award were received from about 2‚600 leading scientists globally and the 2016 winners were selected by an international jury of 13 prominent scientists. Abdool Karim was the recipient for Africa and the Arab States.She said that she was "deeply honoured and privileged" to be a recipient of this very prestigious award for eminent women scientists.“I hope that this award inspires young women in Africa and the Middle East to pursue careers in science and technology as the world needs more women in science. "..