FABI Professor Lucy Moleleki was honoured as a ‘distinguished woman researcher’ at the 2025 South African Women in Science Awards (SAWiSA), held on 21 August in Bloemfontein. This was in the Natural and Engineering Sciences division of the Distinguished Women Researchers Category. This category honours senior women scientists with at least five years of postdoctoral experience who have made outstanding contributions to their fields. Prof. Moleleki is a member in the Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and a Microbiology and leads the bacterial genomics and host pathogen interactions research group in FABI.

This year’s awards theme "Unpacking STEM Careers: Her Voice in Science", celebrated 30 exceptional women scientists and researchers whose groundbreaking work is shaping the future of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) in South Africa and beyond. The ceremony highlighted the critical role women play in advancing knowledge, innovation and inclusive development across diverse scientific disciplines. FABI is proud to have Prof. Moleleki and numerous other exceptional women scientists amongst its ranks.