An election to the United States National Academy of Sciences (NAS) represents far more than personal recognition for recently elected University of Cape Town (UCT) Professor Emerita Valerie Mizrahi.

Instead, she sees it as a reflection of decades of collaboration, mentorship and scientific excellence built across laboratories, institutions and generations of researchers.

Adding to her list of accolades, Professor Emerita Mizrahi is a Fellow of the Royal Society and an International Honorary Member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences

Her election as an international member of the prestigious NAS is one of the highest honours afforded to scientists globally, yet Mizrahi is quick to redirect the spotlight.

A globally renowned tuberculosis (TB) researcher, Mizrahi has spent more than three decades advancing understanding of the biology of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, particularly how the bacterium that causes TB evolves, adapts and develops resistance to drugs. 

Her work has helped position South Africa as a leading centre for TB research at a time when the disease continues to disproportionately affect countries across the Global South.

“My first reaction was that this recognition is not for me,” Mizrahi said. “It’s for the many incredible people I’ve mentored, collaborated with, been supported by and learned from over my career.”

Reflecting on her career, she points not only to scientific discoveries, but to the building of a research ecosystem rooted in rigorous science, mentorship and long-term collaboration.

“I started a small research group at Wits at a time when very few people were doing basic TB research,” she explained. “Over the years, TB became a major area of strength in South African research, and I’m proud to have played a part in that journey.”

That journey later continued at UCT, where her work shifted increasingly from fundamental TB biology towards early-stage TB drug discovery. Today, she remains deeply entrenched in research aimed at identifying new therapeutic approaches to combat one of South Africa’s most pressing public health challenges.

Despite the success and impact her work has seen in recent years, the most meaningful legacy lies in the people who have emerged from her laboratory and mentorship. Former students and fellows now occupy senior leadership positions across academia, health systems research and community engagement in South Africa and internationally.

“It’s much more than the papers you publish. It’s about using good science as a vehicle to develop people – teaching them to think critically, and to apply rigour in how they frame and address research questions.”

She describes scientific excellence as “non-negotiable”, emphasising that rigorous, carefully executed research remains central to meaningful societal impact.

At a broader level, she believes recognition such as this can help strengthen the case for investment in African research institutions and scientific innovation.

“We need to do a better job in telling the story of what research means to society. The students who come into our labs come from the communities we serve. Through research and innovation, universities are developing people who go on to make important contributions across society.”

She hopes her election will place renewed focus on TB research and encourage greater support for scientific inquiry on the continent.

“We are living with these problems. We understand them. What we need are the resources to do excellent science that can become part of the solution.”