As South Africa prepares to celebrate Science Month in July, University of Cape Town (UCT) professor Liesl Zühlke has earned one of the world’s most respected scientific honours.
She has been named the 2026 L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science International Award Laureate for Africa and the Arab States in the Life and Environmental Sciences category.
The award celebrates women researchers whose scientific achievements have made a significant impact on society while promoting greater gender representation in science.
Decades of Research Focused on Children’s Heart Health
Zühlke received the recognition for her pioneering work in cardiac and cardiovascular science, particularly research aimed at improving the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of childhood heart diseases in low- and middle-income countries.
Her work has helped expand global understanding of congenital heart disease, rheumatic heart disease, heart failure and cardiovascular conditions affecting women of reproductive age—areas that continue to receive relatively limited research attention despite their growing health burden.
Professor Reflects on Prestigious Achievement
Reacting to the announcement, Zühlke described the honour as both humbling and deeply meaningful after decades of collaborative research.
She credited the achievement to the dedicated teams she has worked alongside at the University of Cape Town, as well as colleagues across Africa and around the world.
She also said the recognition highlights the important contribution women continue to make in scientific research and expressed hope that it would draw greater global attention to childhood heart disease, which she believes remains overlooked.
Career Dedicated to Improving Health Across Africa
Zühlke serves as Director of the Children’s Heart Disease Research Unit within UCT’s Faculty of Health Sciences and is also Vice President for Extramural Research and Internal Portfolio at the South African Medical Research Council.
As a paediatric cardiologist and internationally recognised researcher, she has devoted her career to improving outcomes for children living with heart disease, especially those in underserved communities with limited access to specialist care.
Award Highlights Global Impact
The L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science International Awards, established in 1998, recognise five outstanding female scientists each year from different regions of the world.
Laureates are selected from Africa and the Arab States, Asia and the Pacific, Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean, and North America.
The programme honours researchers whose work has expanded scientific knowledge while delivering meaningful social benefits.
Research Has Influenced International Health Policy
Zühlke’s work has had a significant influence on the global fight against rheumatic heart disease, a condition affecting more than 50 million people worldwide and responsible for hundreds of thousands of deaths annually.
Her research spans laboratory science, clinical studies, medical trials, policy development and community health programmes.
It has contributed to improved understanding and treatment of both rheumatic and congenital heart disease while helping shape international healthcare priorities.
She has also consistently advocated for greater recognition of childhood diseases that are often overlooked in global health assessments, particularly illnesses linked to poverty and affecting vulnerable children and adolescents.
Champion for Patients and Young Scientists
Beyond her scientific achievements, Zühlke has become a leading advocate for children living with heart disease through collaborations with organisations including the African Union, the World Health Organization and the World Heart Federation.
Her academic output includes more than 230 peer-reviewed publications, with her research cited over 91,000 times globally.
Her work has also encouraged more inclusive research by ensuring that patient experiences play a greater role in shaping healthcare policies.
Colleagues Praise Her Leadership and Mentorship
Professor Sharon Prince, Acting Deputy Dean for Research in UCT’s Faculty of Health Sciences, described the award as recognition of research that has transformed lives across Africa.
She praised Zühlke’s ability to combine scientific excellence with compassion, saying her leadership has strengthened health systems while improving care for women and children throughout the continent.
Prince also highlighted Zühlke’s commitment to mentoring young researchers, particularly women scientists, saying her influence extends far beyond publications and awards by creating opportunities for future generations of scientific leaders.
Science Month Celebrations Set to Begin
Zühlke’s international recognition comes as South Africa prepares to launch its inaugural National Science Month.
Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation Professor Blade Nzimande is scheduled to officially announce the initiative on June 29, with the inaugural National Science Month set to be launched on July 4 at the Vaal University of Technology.
Her achievement is expected to serve as an inspiration for aspiring scientists across South Africa and beyond, demonstrating the global impact that African research can have on improving health and advancing scientific knowledge.
