CAPE TOWN — University of Cape Town (UCT) Professor Liesl Zühlke has been named the 2026 L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science International Award Laureate for Africa and the Arab States. The prestigious recognition, announced as South Africa prepares to mark Science Month, honours Zühlke’s exceptional contributions to cardiac and cardiovascular science.
Professor Zühlke, who serves as the Director of the Children’s Heart Disease Research Unit at UCT, was selected for her work in advancing health outcomes for vulnerable populations. Her research primarily focuses on childhood-onset heart diseases, including rheumatic and congenital heart disease, which disproportionately affect women and children in low- and middle-income countries.
Responding to the announcement, Zühlke stated that she was deeply honoured and humbled by the award. She noted that the recognition represents decades of collaborative work focused on children with heart disease. She expressed hope that the award would bring necessary attention to the plight of childhood-onset heart disease, a field she described as being neglected globally.
The L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science International Awards are presented annually to five exceptional women scientists. Established in 1998, the programme aims to strengthen gender representation in research and celebrate scientific impact. Zühlke’s selection highlights her role as a paediatric cardiologist and a globally respected researcher who has authored over 230 peer-reviewed publications.
Professor Sharon Prince, Acting Deputy Dean for Research in the Faculty of Health Sciences at UCT, described the award as a powerful recognition of research that transforms lives. Prince noted that Zühlke’s leadership has opened doors for more equitable care across the continent. Beyond her academic output, Zühlke has been a leading advocate for health equity, collaborating with the African Union and the World Health Organization to influence international policy.
The announcement comes at a significant time for the South African scientific community. Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Professor Blade Nzimande, is scheduled to formally announce the launch of the inaugural National Science Month today, Monday, 29 June 2026. The official launch event for the month-long initiative is set to take place on 4 July at the Vaal University of Technology.
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