SAMRC Vice-President Prof. Liesl Zühlke Appointed to National Health Research Committee
The South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) is pleased to announce that Prof. Liesl Zühlke, Vice-President: Extramural Research and Internal Portfolio, has been appointed by the Acting Minister of Health, Minister Stella Ndabeni, to the National Health Research Committee (NHRC), a key advisory body that guides South Africa's national health research agenda.
The NHRC is established under the National Health Act to advise the Minister of Health on national health research priorities, promote alignment between research and the country's health needs, and strengthen the impact of health research on policy, practice and population health outcomes. As a member of the Committee, Prof. Zühlke will contribute her extensive expertise in health research, clinical medicine, public health, research strategy and research leadership to help shape the future direction of health research in South Africa.
An internationally recognised paediatric cardiologist and researcher, Prof Zühlke has more than two decades of experience in cardiovascular medicine, health research and academic leadership. Her work has influenced policy and practice nationally, across Africa, and globally, particularly in rheumatic heart disease, congenital heart disease, health systems research, and implementation science. She is a B1 NRF-rated researcher, has published more than 230 peer-reviewed scientific papers, received numerous national and international awards, and has held leadership positions in organisations including the South African Heart Association, the Pan-African Society of Cardiology, the World Heart Federation and the Non-Communicable Disease Alliance.
The SAMRC is proud to see one of its senior leaders contributing to this important national responsibility and looks forward to her continued contribution to the NHRC's work in shaping a health research system that is innovative, equitable, responsive, and aligned with the health needs of all South Africans.
Prof. Zühlke said, "I am deeply honoured to have been appointed to the NHRC. South Africa faces complex health challenges that require research which is both scientifically excellent and responsive to the needs of our communities. I look forward to working with fellow committee members, the Department of Health and the broader research community to help strengthen the country's health research agenda, support innovation and ensure that evidence continues to improve health outcomes for all South Africans."