Henkel Celebrates Global Female Excellence in Hair Science with Fourth Martha Schwarzkopf Award Ceremony in Düsseldorf

This year’s winners convinced the expert jury with their innovations and pioneering spirit.

(IN BRIEF) Henkel has presented the Martha Schwarzkopf Award for Women in Science for the fourth time, honoring international female scientists whose work advances hair and scalp research. The awards ceremony in Düsseldorf recognized three career stages: Lifetime Contribution, Distinguished Talent, and Emerging Talent, with prize money of up to 10,000 euros. Winners included Dr. Gabriela Daniels of the University of the Arts London for her longstanding contributions to cosmetic science and interdisciplinary hair research; Dr. Siyu Zhu of Tsinghua University for her computational and biological innovations targeting hair growth and scalp health; and Meriem Kassar of Karlsruhe University of Applied Sciences for her multidisciplinary research applying materials science and biotechnology to hair-related studies. In addition to financial support, recipients gain access to a professional exchange network within the Martha Schwarzkopf Community. The award underscores Henkel’s commitment to diversity, gender equality, and scientific advancement in hair care innovation.

(PRESS RELEASE) DÜSSELDORF, 12-Feb-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — Henkel has once again spotlighted women shaping the future of hair science, presenting the Martha Schwarzkopf Award for Women in Science for the fourth consecutive year. The awards ceremony, held on February 11 in Düsseldorf, recognized exceptional female researchers from around the world whose work is pushing the boundaries of hair and scalp research. Prize money of up to 10,000 euros was awarded across three categories, reinforcing Henkel’s commitment to advancing diversity and supporting women in scientific disciplines.

Promoting equal opportunity and fostering gender balance are central to Henkel’s corporate values. Women remain underrepresented in natural sciences and technical fields, and the Martha Schwarzkopf Award is designed to help address that imbalance. By recognizing outstanding contributions in hair research and related scientific areas, Henkel aims to encourage and empower female scientists working on next-generation hair care solutions and scalp health innovations.

Applicants from across the globe were invited to submit their research for evaluation. An expert jury of R&D scientists from Henkel Consumer Brands assessed submissions based on scientific excellence and relevance. The award structure reflects different stages of professional development. The “Lifetime Contribution” distinction, accompanied by 10,000 euros, celebrates an outstanding body of work. The “Distinguished Talent” category, awarded 7,500 euros, recognizes researchers with several years of experience and significant impact, while the “Emerging Talent” award of 5,000 euros highlights promising early-career scientists.

Beyond financial recognition, recipients gain access to an exclusive network of Henkel experts and former laureates through the Martha Schwarzkopf Community. This scientific exchange fosters collaboration, mentorship, and the further development of research projects. Over time, the award has cultivated a strong international network characterized by active dialogue and professional excellence, with growing global interest and a rising number of high-caliber applications.

This year’s award winners

In the “Lifetime Contribution” category, Dr. Gabriela Daniels of the University of the Arts London in the United Kingdom was honored for more than two decades of leadership in cosmetic science education and research. She has taught research methodologies to master’s students for over 20 years and has played a key role in shaping innovation in cosmetic science. Her interdisciplinary work spans hair care formulation, cosmetic product development, artificial intelligence applications in hair research, and the study of sensory and social dimensions of hair.

The “Distinguished Talent” award was presented to Dr. Siyu Zhu of Tsinghua University in Beijing, China. Her research centers on hair follicle biology and advanced digital design approaches. By leveraging computational methods, she develops novel molecules with strong potential to stimulate hair growth and enhance scalp health, representing a forward-looking integration of biology and digital innovation.

Recognized as an “Emerging Talent,” Meriem Kassar, a PhD candidate at Karlsruhe University of Applied Sciences in Germany, impressed the jury with her multidisciplinary approach. Her research bridges molecular materials science, biotechnology, and analytical chemistry. She applies these capabilities to polymer-based sensor surfaces, simulations, and disease marker detection, demonstrating how advanced materials and analytical tools can open new pathways in hair research.

The legacy of the Martha Schwarzkopf Award

The Martha Schwarzkopf Award pays tribute to Martha Schwarzkopf, a pioneering entrepreneur who recognized the value of systematic hair research early in the 20th century. She founded the Schwarzkopf Hair Research Institute in the 1920s, establishing a scientific foundation that continues to influence the brand’s innovations today.

Schwarzkopf remains the largest hair brand within Henkel Consumer Brands, operating research and development laboratories, hair test salons, and academies worldwide. Through the award bearing her name, Henkel continues to connect its heritage of scientific excellence with contemporary efforts to foster inclusion and innovation in hair research.

For further information, please contact:

Kathryn-Marie Althaus
Henkel
Corporate Media Relations
Headquarters, Düsseldorf/Germany
+49-211-797-4091
press@henkel.com

Kathrin Brokmeier
Henkel
Corporate Media Relations Headquarters,
Düsseldorf/Germany
+49-211-797-8605
press@henkel.com

SOURCE: Henkel AG & Co. KGaA