Monaco, 20 March 2026 — Monaco Women Forum

Photo courtesy: WSM/C.Gallo

At the closing gala of the prestigious Monaco Women Forum, the 14th edition of the Monte-Carlo Woman of the Year Award honored two leading figures in global scientific research, recognizing groundbreaking contributions to longevity, nutrition, and the future of human health.

Set against the refined backdrop of Monaco, the awards reaffirm the Forum’s commitment to spotlighting women whose work is shaping not only scientific progress but also the broader conversation around ageing, prevention, and wellbeing.

Advancing the Science of Ageing: Professor Maria Blasco

The Monte-Carlo Woman of the Year Award 2026 was presented to Maria Blasco, a pioneering scientist whose research has transformed the global understanding of cellular ageing.

Renowned for her work on telomeres—the protective structures at the end of chromosomes—Professor Blasco has dedicated her career to uncovering the biological mechanisms that drive ageing and age-related diseases. With over 280 scientific publications, her research has opened new pathways for preventive medicine and therapeutic innovation.

Her work positions ageing not as an inevitable decline, but as a field of study rich with possibility—one that holds the key to extending not just lifespan, but healthspan.

Nutrition, Microbiome, and Longevity: Professor Sarah Berry

The Special Award 2026 was granted to Sarah Berry, whose research has redefined the relationship between nutrition, the gut microbiome, and long-term health.

Through more than 35 scientific studies, Professor Berry has advanced the understanding of how individualized dietary responses impact cardiometabolic health. Her work emphasizes a crucial principle: that longevity begins with what we consume, how we metabolize it, and how our bodies respond uniquely.

By advocating for personalized nutrition and accessible scientific testing, she is contributing to a future where individuals can better understand and optimize their own health trajectories.

A Global Focus on Healthy Ageing

The 2026 awards highlight a significant global shift. As emphasized during the ceremony, the most pressing demographic challenge today is no longer population growth, but how populations age—and how well.

Through the recognition of Professors Blasco and Berry, the Monaco Women Forum underscores the urgency of advancing research in:

• Cellular ageing and regenerative science
• Preventive healthcare strategies
• Nutrition and microbiome science
• Personalized and data-driven medicine

Together, these fields are redefining the future of healthcare, moving toward models that prioritize prevention, precision, and longevity.

Monaco as a Platform for Vision and Leadership

As an international hub for innovation and high-level dialogue, Monaco continues to play a pivotal role in convening leaders across disciplines. The Monaco Women Forum stands as a platform where science, leadership, and global impact intersect, amplifying voices that are shaping the future.

By honoring women at the forefront of medical and scientific advancement, the Forum not only celebrates achievement but also inspires the next generation to pursue excellence in research and innovation.

An Enduring Vision

The Monte-Carlo Woman of the Year Awards represent more than recognition—they reflect a vision of a world where science serves humanity through longer, healthier, and more informed lives.

In honoring these exceptional scientists, the 2026 edition reinforces a powerful message: that the future of health lies in understanding the body at its most fundamental level—and in empowering individuals to live not only longer, but better.