Can a Computer System Be Considered Secure Without Mathematical Proof of Its Reliability?
This is the central question driving the research of Dhekra Mahmoud, whose name appears among the 35 laureates of the L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science France 2026 award. The researcher is being honored in the “AI and Modeling” category for her work aimed at proving the security of digital systems.
The Critical Importance of System Reliability
As companies increasingly rely on digital exchanges and data plays a growing role in their operations, the reliability of computer systems is no longer just a technical concern. It is also a prerequisite for protecting information, securing transactions, and maintaining trust in digital tools. It is within this context that Dhekra Mahmoud’s research takes place.
Her approach relies on formal mathematics, which allows for the examination of a system’s operation and the demonstration of specific security properties. Rather than simply searching for vulnerabilities after they have emerged, her work involves using mathematical reasoning to verify whether a device meets expected requirements. These efforts are particularly significant for cryptography and the security of digital communications.
A Distinguished Cohort of 35 Laureates
This recognition comes as part of the 20th French edition of the L’Oréal-UNESCO award. The 2026 list of winners includes 35 doctoral and post-doctoral researchers selected from over 800 applications. Their research spans a wide range of disciplines, from biology and physics to mathematics, computer science, and engineering.
Dhekra Mahmoud joins other researchers exploring different facets of security and emerging technologies:
- Anne Josiane Kouam is studying methods to protect privacy in the age of artificial intelligence.
- Johanna Loyer is working on encryption in the face of the capabilities of future quantum computers.
While these researchers address different questions, their work all touches on how technologies can be made more reliable.
Supporting Early-Career Scientists
The award annually recognizes young scientists at a pivotal stage in their careers. Beyond the recognition of their work, it provides a financial grant and professional support to aid their development. The award ceremony is scheduled for October 7, 2026, at the Académie des sciences in Paris.
Promoting Women in Science
Created in 1998, the international L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science program aims to strengthen the position of women in research. According to UNESCO data cited by the organizers, women represent approximately one-third of researchers worldwide. The underrepresentation of women in several scientific and technological disciplines remains a key challenge for research institutions.
