Yi Xie (C Back), professor at the University of Science and Technology of China, speaks at the ceremony of L'Oreal-UNESCO For Women in Science Awards 2015, in Paris, France, March 18, 2015. Yi Xie, professor at the University of Science and Technology of China, was on Wednesday honored with the L'Oreal-UNESCO For Women in Science Awards 2015, together with four other women for their ground-breaking discoveries in physical sciences. [Photo: Xinhua/Chen Xiaowei]

The United Nations is calling for more gender diversity in the field of science.

The call comes on the heels of a leading Chinese scientist winning a UNESCO award for Women in Science.

Xie Yi, a professor at China's University of Science and Technology, is one of four women being honored for their ground-breaking discoveries in recent years.

Xie is part of a team that created a new nano-material that can be used to convert heat or sunlight into electricity.

Irina Bokova is the director-general of UNESCO.

(bjh/Soundbite/0319_Bokova, French, Female)

"The world needs science, while science needs women scientists. It's impossible to make progress for any society if one sets aside the other half's wisdom, energy and capacity to dream."