Four UCT Researchers Inducted into the World Academy of Sciences for Groundbreaking Contributions

Recognizing Scientific Excellence on a Global Stage

In a landmark achievement for South African academia, four distinguished researchers from the University of Cape Town (UCT) have been elected as Fellows of the World Academy of Sciences (TWAS). They are the only South Africans to receive this prestigious recognition in 2024.

Based in Trieste, Italy, TWAS is an esteemed international organization dedicated to advancing science in developing countries. Founded in 1983 by Nobel Laureate Abdus Salam, the academy fosters scientific research, education, and policy development, particularly in regions where resources and funding for research may be limited. Each year, TWAS selects accomplished scientists from around the world who have made outstanding contributions to their fields and whose work has had a significant impact on scientific progress and societal development.

This year, the election of 74 new Fellows marks the largest induction in the history of TWAS, a testament to the increasing global recognition of scientific innovation, particularly in the Global South. The four UCT scholars—Professors Alison Lewis, Ntobeko Ntusi, Harald Winkler, and Liesl Zühlke—have been recognized for their pioneering research in engineering, medical science, climate policy, and paediatric cardiology. Their election not only highlights their individual excellence but also places South Africa’s scientific community on the global map.

Meet the UCT Fellows: Leaders in Science and Innovation

Professor Alison Lewis: Advancing Hydrometallurgy and Crystallization Science

Professor Alison Lewis, the Dean of UCT’s Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment (EBE), is an internationally renowned expert in hydrometallurgy and industrial crystallization. Her groundbreaking work has led to major innovations in mineral processing, water purification, and sustainable extraction technologies.

Under her leadership, UCT established the Crystallization and Precipitation Research Unit (CPU), which has gained global recognition for tackling complex industrial crystallization challenges—issues that impact sectors ranging from mining to pharmaceuticals. Her research has provided industry-changing insights into reducing waste, improving efficiency, and developing environmentally friendly extraction methods.

In recognition of her contributions, Professor Lewis has been honored with multiple accolades, including the Water Research Commission Legends Award, the Africa Water Leadership Award, and the Distinguished Woman Scientist Award. She is a Fellow of the South African Academy of Engineering (SAAE) and the Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf), and she holds membership in the National Academy of Engineering (NAE) in the United States—a rare distinction for a South African scientist.

Professor Ntobeko Ntusi: Leading Medical Research and Cardiology Innovations

A prominent figure in South African medical research, Professor Ntobeko Ntusi is the President and CEO of the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC). Formerly the head of UCT’s Department of Medicine and Groote Schuur Hospital, he has led pioneering studies on cardiovascular disease, with a special focus on cardiomyopathy in African populations.

His research has shed light on the genetic, clinical, and epidemiological factors influencing heart diseases, particularly those linked to autoimmune disorders and HIV-related cardiovascular conditions. His work has helped define the mechanisms of myocardial fibrosis, heart inflammation, and structural heart disease, contributing to improved diagnostic and treatment strategies worldwide.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Professor Ntusi played a leading role in studying the immunological and cardiovascular impacts of the virus, helping shape South Africa’s medical response. His scientific leadership extends internationally—he is a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) and a member of ASSAf, highlighting his influence on global cardiology and public health.

Professor Harald Winkler: A Climate Policy Pioneer with a Global Impact

An expert in the intersection of climate change, social justice, and sustainable development, Professor Harald Winkler is a leading scholar in Policy Research in International Services and Manufacturing (PRISM) at UCT’s School of Economics. His research has provided critical evidence for climate policy formation in South Africa and beyond.

Professor Winkler has played a key role in shaping international climate negotiations, having served as an advisor to the South African delegation at United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) conferences. His contributions have been widely cited in high-impact journals, and his h-index—a metric measuring academic influence—reflects the significance of his work.

A notable highlight of his career is his involvement with the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), which was collectively awarded the Nobel Peace Prize alongside Al Gore. Recently, he co-facilitated the Global Stocktake under the Paris Agreement, a crucial process for assessing global climate action and commitments. His tenure as joint Editor-in-Chief of Climate Policy further solidifies his reputation as a global thought leader in climate governance.

Professor Liesl Zühlke: Transforming Paediatric Cardiology and Family-Centred Care

A distinguished paediatric cardiologist and director of the Children’s Heart Disease Research Unit, Professor Liesl Zühlke is at the forefront of research on childhood heart diseases in Africa. She has dedicated her career to understanding and treating rheumatic heart disease (RHD) and congenital heart defects, two of the most pressing cardiovascular issues in the region.

Professor Zühlke leads the Partnerships for Children with Heart Disease in Africa (PROTEA) study, an ambitious multinational project investigating the genetic and epidemiological factors behind congenital heart disease. By integrating family-centred care models into treatment protocols, she has revolutionized the management of paediatric cardiology in low-resource settings.

Her leadership extends beyond research—she has served as President of the Paediatric Cardiac Society of South Africa (PCSSA) and the South African Heart Association. Additionally, she has chaired taskforces on paediatric and rheumatic heart disease under the Pan-African Society of Cardiology (PASCAR), helping shape continental health policies.

UCT’s Growing Influence in Global Science

The election of these four UCT researchers to TWAS is a significant achievement, reinforcing the university’s standing as a global hub for scientific excellence. Their work not only advances knowledge in their respective fields but also has a direct impact on sustainable development, public health, and environmental resilience in South Africa and beyond.

As members of TWAS, these scholars will contribute to international collaborations, mentor emerging researchers, and help bridge the gap between science and policy in the Global South. Their recognition is a powerful reminder of the transformative potential of scientific research when driven by innovation, social responsibility, and a commitment to addressing real-world challenges.

🚀 With South African science on the rise, these UCT pioneers are leading the way toward a brighter, more sustainable future.