Trang Duong wins the L'Oréal UNESCO For Women in Science Award

Four female scientists have been honoured for their exceptional contribution to science. Two winners of this edition are UT scientists Dr.ir. Trang Duong (ET) and PhD Džemila Šero (EEMCS). During the For Women in Science award ceremony at NEMO Science Museum in Amsterdam, they each received an award worth €30,000 in the presence of State Secretary for Emancipation Mariëlle Paul to further develop their research in a fellowship at the Netherlands Institute for Advanced Study. Here, the laureates will spend five months in a community of international scientists.

How knowledge about historical flooding can contribute to a safer future for coastal communities
Flooding caused by storms is a major danger for people living on the coast. Climate change and rising sea levels are only exacerbating this problem. With my research, supported by the For Women in Science Fellowship, I want to do something about this. With my experience in accurately simulating flood damage from severe storms, such as storm Xynthia that hit France in 2010, I now want to answer two questions: first, what would be the damage if such a storm were to occur again in the future, with the higher sea level, but without additional flood protection? And second, what additional measures would work best to limit damage? I am convinced that my research will provide crucial information for policymakers to make informed decisions about coastal zone management. My research will contribute to a Europe that is more resilient to climate change and to the development of smart strategies to protect vulnerable coastal areas worldwide. 

Dr. Trang Duong's research on the resilience of coastal areas to climate change was recognised, among other things, for its international applicability. Her project is also notable for its practical relevance, especially now that sea levels and extreme weather events are increasing.