South African women are advancing research and innovation across medicine, engineering, information technology, environmental science, astronomy and biotechnology.
Women’s Month places renewed attention on their contribution to fields traditionally dominated by men.
Professor Liesl Zühlke’s international recognition in 2026 shows how South African research is addressing serious health challenges while gaining attention abroad.
Professor Liesl Zühlke receives international recognition
Zühlke was named the 2026 laureate for Africa and the Arab States in the L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science International Awards.
She received the honour at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris on 11 June 2026.
Zühlke is a paediatric cardiologist and researcher at the University of Cape Town.
She also serves as Vice-President of the South African Medical Research Council’s Extramural Research and Internal Portfolio.
Her other roles include Director of the Children’s Heart Disease Research Unit at UCT and paediatric cardiologist at Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital.
Research focuses on children’s heart health
Zühlke’s work focuses on cardiovascular diseases affecting children, including rheumatic heart disease.
The preventable condition continues to affect vulnerable communities disproportionately.
Her research connects scientific study with practical healthcare interventions aimed at improving treatment and saving lives.
Her wider research interests include congenital heart disease, HIV among adolescents and cardiac disease in women of childbearing age.
A recognised leader in rheumatic heart disease research
Zühlke is regarded as one of the leading international scholars in rheumatic heart disease research.
Her work has received national and international recognition.
She received the South African Women in Science Award in 2023 before securing the L’Oréal-UNESCO honour in 2026.
These achievements reflect the standard of research produced by women working in South African scientific and medical institutions.
Role models matter for young women
Greater visibility for women scientists gives girls and young women examples of careers available across STEM fields.
Recognition at international level shows that scientific careers offer opportunities to address social problems and improve lives.
Women working in laboratories, universities, hospitals, research institutions and technology companies also help challenge outdated ideas about who belongs in technical and scientific roles.
Investment must extend beyond recognition
Celebrating individual scientists is only one part of advancing gender equality in STEM.
Women also need access to education, research funding, professional opportunities, resources and decision-making positions.
Supporting their participation helps South Africa draw from a broader pool of scientific talent.
It also strengthens research teams by ensuring that the people developing solutions better reflect the population they serve.
Women’s Month highlights progress in STEM
Women’s Month provides an opportunity to recognise the progress South African women have made in science and technology.
Zühlke’s work shows how research, clinical care and leadership contribute to better health outcomes and greater scientific capacity.
Continued support for women in STEM will help South Africa develop the skills and research needed to address healthcare, environmental and technological challenges.
Source: SAnews.gov.za
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