As a medical doctor and researcher, Professor Liesl Zühlke, is internationally recognized as one of the world’s top three academics in rheumatic heart disease.
This disease mostly affects poorer communities and Liesle’s research has been instrumental in combating the disease (as well as other heart conditions) in children.
In recognition of her work, Liesle has been named the 2026 Laureate for Africa and the Arab States at the prestigious UNESCO ‘For Women in Science’ International Awards.
Each year, UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) honours 5 remarkable women scientists who have contributed significantly in their field of research.
These scientists are chosen by a panel of the world’s most respected scientific experts and each awardee receives a cash prize of more than R1.8 million rand.
Liesl currently works as a Paediatric Cardiologist at the Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital, is a Full Professor in Paediatric Cardiology in the Department of Paediatrics and Child Health at the University of Cape Town and is the Director of the university’s Children’s Heart Disease Research Unit.
She is also the Vice President of the South African Medical Research Council and a Board Member of the World Heart Federation; and her past positions and achievements include being the President of the Paediatric Cardiac Society of South Africa, the President of the South African Heart Association, as well as presenting at the United Nations in New York and the World Health Organization in Geneva.
Liesl will be honoured at the official awards ceremony which will take place on the 11th of June at the UNESCO headquarters in Paris.
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