Barbara Finlayson-Pitts, distinguished professor emerita of chemistry at the University of California, Irvine, has been named the North American laureate of the 2025 L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science International Award. Every year, the prestigious award is presented to five outstanding women in STEM from Africa and the Arab States, Asia and the Pacific, Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean, and North America.
Dr. Finlayson-Pitts was honored for her innovate research in atmospheric chemistry. Her work has advanced the understanding of air quality and pollutant formation, contributing to effective pollution control strategies and informing environmental policies around the world. She founded UC Irvine’s Atmospheric Integrated Research Institute in 2004, and has served as its director ever since. In addition to her scholarly endeavors, she has been a dedicated mentor to women and scientists from underrepresented groups in STEM.
A graduate of Trent University in Ontario, Canada, Dr. Finlayson-Pitts holds a master’s degree and Ph.D. in chemistry from the University of California, Riverside.