The Foundation L’Oréal- UNESCO has named Dr. (Mrs.) Mary Amoako of the Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, as one of the thirty (30) winners of the 14th L'Oréal-UNESCO for Women in Science Young Talents Sub-Saharan Africa Awards.

The L'Oréal-UNESCO for Women in Science Young Talents Sub-Saharan Africa Awards recognise and support African women scientists each year for the excellence of their scientific research. In the 14th Edition of the Awards, twenty-five (25) PhD candidates and 5 post-doctoral researchers were honoured at the annual ceremony held in Kasane, Botswana, on November 9, 2023.

Dr. (Mrs.) Amoako, has a doctorate degree from Michigan State University, an MPhil in Human Nutrition and Dietetics from KNUST, and a professional certification as a Registered Dietician from the Allied Health Professions Council. Her research focuses on improving health and nutrition outcomes among Ghanaians through nutrition and lifestyle. Her studies encompass the causes of maternal mortality in Ghana, antioxidant nutrition among burns (thermally injured) patients, and various aspects of chronic conditions (diabetes, hypertension, obesity, cardiovascular diseases, stunting, cognition deficits) and their interventions (prevention and treatment) in infants, children, and adults.

As a founding member of the Ghana Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (GAND), Dr. (Mrs.) Amoako served as a committee member on the Advocacy Committee of the GAND. Her current research activities focus on exploring the influence of diets and nutrition on the possibility of babies developing orofacial clefts (OFC) or cleft lip and palate, facial malformations occurring early in pregnancy and contributing to perinatal deaths. She is confident that the results of this study will influence her proposal and implementation of interventions to help reduce orofacial clefts in Ghana.

The L'Oréal Foundation supports and empowers women to shape their future and make a difference in society, focusing on three major areas: scientific research, inclusive beauty, and climate action. Since 1998, the L'Oréal-UNESCO for Women in Science programme has empowered more women scientists to overcome barriers to progression and participate in solving challenges in their societies. For the past twenty-five (25) years, the Foundation has supported more than four thousand, one hundred (4,100) women researchers from over one hundred and ten (110) countries, rewarding scientific excellence and inspiring younger generation of women to pursue science as a career.