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 in the field of Life and Environmental Sciences.
As South Africa marks Science Month in July, the prestigious recognition celebrates Professor Zühlke's outstanding contributions to cardiac and cardiovascular science and her work to improve health outcomes for vulnerable communities, particularly women and children in low- and middle-income countries.
"I am deeply honoured and extremely humbled by this prestigious award. It represents decades of work, focused on children with rheumatic and congenital heart disease, with amazing team members from UCT, as well as with African and global colleagues.
"In addition, it also highlights the role of women in science. I have been deeply inspired by authentic, committed and courageous women scientists in my community, at UCT and beyond. I hope this award brings attention to the plight of childhood-onset heart disease, which remains neglected in the world," Zühlke said.
The L'Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science International Awards recognise five exceptional women scientists each year for advancing scientific knowledge and strengthening gender representation in research.
Established in 1998, the programme honours researchers whose work has made a significant impact on both science and society. One laureate is selected annually from each of five regions:
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Africa and the Arab States
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Asia and the Pacific
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Europe
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Latin America and the Caribbean
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North America
Professor Liesl Zühlke's Contribution To Heart Disease Research
Professor Zühlke serves as Director of the Children's Heart Disease Research Unit in UCT's Faculty of Health Sciences. She is also the Vice President for Extramural Research and Internal Portfolio at the South African Medical Research Council.
As a paediatric cardiologist and internationally respected researcher, she has dedicated her career to addressing childhood-onset heart diseases, particularly within underserved communities.
Her work focuses on:
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Congenital heart disease
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Rheumatic heart disease
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Heart failure
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Cardiovascular health among women of childbearing age
These areas continue to carry a significant global disease burden despite receiving relatively limited research attention.
UCT Praises Zühlke's Achievement
Acting Deputy Dean for Research in the Faculty of Health Sciences, Professor Sharon Prince, described the award as recognition of research that changes lives.
"Zühlke is a remarkable scientist, whose work has consistently bridged rigorous research with deep humanity. Her leadership has opened doors for new knowledge, stronger health systems and more equitable care for women and children across the continent," Prince said.
Advancing Public Health Across Africa
Professor Zühlke's work has significantly influenced public health across Africa, particularly in the prevention, understanding and treatment of rheumatic heart disease.
The condition affects more than 50 million people worldwide and is responsible for over 360,000 deaths each year.
Her extensive research portfolio includes:
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Basic science
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Clinical research
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Clinical trials
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Translational medicine
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Policy engagement
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Community-based initiatives
Through this work, she has helped shape international priorities in rheumatic and congenital heart disease research and treatment.
Her studies have also improved care for children born with congenital heart disease, especially in resource-constrained settings where health outcomes remain disproportionately poor.
Championing Children And Marginalised Communities
Recognising that children are often overlooked in global health metrics such as Disability Adjusted Life Years and Quality-Adjusted Life Years, Professor Zühlke has consistently focused on diseases of poverty that affect children, adolescents and marginalised communities.
Beyond her academic achievements, she has become a leading advocate for children and families living with heart disease.
Working alongside organisations such as the African Union, the World Health Organization and the World Heart Federation, she has contributed to research and policy initiatives aimed at improving healthcare services for children with heart conditions.
A Legacy Of Scientific Excellence And Mentorship
Professor Zühlke has published more than 230 peer-reviewed research papers, with her work receiving over 91,000 citations worldwide.
Her research has helped shape policy development while promoting more inclusive research practices that amplify the experiences and perspectives of patients who have historically been excluded from decision-making processes.
Professor Prince said Zühlke's impact reaches far beyond her scientific accomplishments.
"What makes Zühlke exceptional is not only the scale of her scientific contributions, but also the way she lifts others as she rises. She has mentored, inspired and created space for women scientists and young researchers to thrive, and that legacy is as important as any publication or award," she said.
Professor Zühlke's selection as a 2026 L'Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science International Award Laureate recognises not only her scientific excellence and global leadership, but also her enduring commitment to advancing health equity.
