Manchester honorary professor named as L鈥橭r茅al-UNESCO Women in Science laureate
, cardiac and cardiovascular systems Professor at the University of Cape Town has been named as one of five L鈥橭r茅al-UNESCO Women in Science laureates for 2026.
Professor Z眉hlke is also honorary professor at The University of Manchester and Vice President of the South African Medical Research Council.
The award was given in recognition for her work with children with heart conditions especially rheumatic heart disease (RHD) that disproportionately affects children living in poverty.
Zuhlke鈥檚 research repositioned RHD as a socio-political issue tied to health system deficiencies and inequities.
In a press release, UNESCO said her dedication to scientific excellence, leadership in global health, and capacity building activities have improved the lives of vulnerable children with cardiovascular disease.
The five researchers will be recognized for their pioneering contributions to life and environmental sciences ON 11 June at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris.
I am deeply humbled by this immense honour. Childhood-onset heart disease remains not only globally neglected but also serves as a stark barometer of inequality and inequity, with profound differences in survival, outcomes, and quality of life
This year's selection highlights their major roles in tackling global health and environmental challenges, from revolutionary tissue engineering and genomic research to agricultural innovation and the impact of nutrition on mental health.
The programme, now in its 28th year, reflects the growing excellence of women in science worldwide.
The Laureates were selected from a record 504 nominations representing 89 countries, and now join the more than 5,000 women who have been recognized by the programme.
That includes 142 International Award Laureates, among whom seven have received a Nobel Prize in science.
This selection was conducted by an independent international jury chaired by Professor Brigitte L. Kieffer, Research Director Emeritus at the National Institute for Health and Medical Research (INSERM) France, Member of the French Academy of Sciences and former Laureate of the L鈥橭r茅al-UNESCO For Women in Science International Awards.
Professor Z眉hlke said: 鈥� I am deeply humbled by this immense honour. Childhood-onset heart disease remains not only globally neglected but also serves as a stark barometer of inequality and inequity, with profound differences in survival, outcomes, and quality of life. My sincere thanks go to all those working tirelessly in this field, as well as to the exceptional support from my academic institutions, including the University of Manchester, and to my collaborator of over a decade, Professor Bernard Keavney. This equitable partnership has really extended our work and improved our science, but also served as a source of capacity development for all in the team鈥�.
BHF Professor of Cardiovascular Medicine , a longterm collaborator with Prof Z眉hlke at The University of Manchester, said: 鈥淭his well-deserved award reflects Liesl鈥檚 huge contributions to the cardiovascular health of children and young people in poor countries. Liesl is a truly remarkable and inspiring woman.鈥�