Latest news with #PriscillaBaker
IOL News
2 days ago
- Health
- IOL News
UWC's Priscilla Baker honoured with prestigious L'Oréal–UNESCO award
Professor Priscilla Baker of the University of the Western Cape (UWC), is among five winners of this year's L'Oréal–UNESCO For Women in Science International Awards. Image: Supplied Professor of analytical chemistry at the University of the Western Cape (UWC), Priscilla Baker, is among five winners of this year's L'Oréal–UNESCO For Women in Science International Awards. These researchers will be recognised for their contributions to physical sciences, mathematics and computer science at the UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation) headquarters in Paris, on June 12. Professor Baker was honoured for her contribution in the field of electrochemical microsensors for detecting contaminants in the environment, with applications in pharmaceuticals, food, health and energy. According to a statement, her dedication as a mentor in analytical electrochemistry has empowered students and early-career scientists to undertake innovative research projects in this field. She was named as the winner, also referred to as the laureate, for Africa and the Arab states. Growing up in Bellville South, Baker said she sometimes went to her old high school to motivate learners. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading She graduated with a BSc in Physical Oceanography from the University of Cape Town in 1990. 'The practical component of oceanography required long periods at sea, but the boats were not equipped for women, and the crew were not ready to accept a person of colour as a professional," she said. She then shifted to analytical chemistry, excelling under the mentorship of Professor Andrew Crouch and later earned her PhD in Chemistry from Stellenbosch University. Professor Priscilla Baker of the University of the Western Cape (UWC), is among five winners of this year's L'Oréal–UNESCO For Women in Science International Awards. Image: Supplied "By actively sharing my journey, I have become a tangible example for female students to explore careers based on capability, not stereotypes," she said. Professor Baker is also the co-director of the SensorLab research group at UWC with Prof Emmanuel Iwuoha. The laureates were selected from a pool of 466 nominees and were announced on May 26. 'By celebrating the 2025 Laureates and each new generation of female researchers, we move closer to a world where the contributions of women are fully valued in every scientific field, and where we all benefit from their achievements,' said Lidia Brito, assistant director-general for Natural Sciences at UNESCO. Cape Argus
IOL News
3 days ago
- Science
- IOL News
Prof Priscilla Baker: a trailblazer in science and the 2025 L'Oréal-UNESCO laureate
Prof Priscilla Baker's groundbreaking career has earned her the top global recognition as the 2025 L'Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Laureate, for Africa and the Arab States. Image: UWC University of the Western Cape Analytical Chemistry Prof Priscilla Baker's groundbreaking career has earned her the top global recognition as the 2025 L'Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Laureate, for Africa and the Arab States. In a world where healthcare disparities persist and women remain underrepresented in science, Prof Baker is breaking barriers with her pioneering research in wearable electrochemical sensors while advocating for greater inclusivity in STEM fields. Growing up in Bellville South, Prof Baker said that, until recently, she would still go back to her old high school to motivate learners. Like many high schoolers in the mid-1980s, under PW Botha's State of Emergency, her schooling was also disrupted as she started matric in 1986. However, Prof Baker's path to scientific leadership was fraught with obstacles. In 1990, she became the first woman of colour to graduate with a BSc in Physical Oceanography from the University of Cape Town. Still, systemic discrimination barred her from pursuing honours in the field. 'The practical component of oceanography required long periods at sea, but the boats weren't equipped for women, and the crew were not ready to accept a person of colour as a professional," she recalled. Undeterred, she shifted to analytical chemistry, excelling under the mentorship of Prof Andrew Crouch and later earning her PhD in Chemistry from Stellenbosch University. This experience profoundly shaped her commitment to mentorship. "By actively sharing my journey, I've become a tangible example for female students to explore careers based on capability, not stereotypes," she said. Prof Baker with her Gold Medal prize from the South African Chemical Institute (1996). Prof Baker, the co-director of the SensorLab research group at UWC with Prof Emmanuel Iwuoha, is at the forefront of developing cutting-edge electrochemical sensors capable of detecting health biomarkers and environmental contaminants. These devices could revolutionise healthcare, particularly in underserved regions like rural Africa, by enabling early detection and continuous monitoring of non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, cancer and heart disease. "Most current medical interventions are designed for ex post facto implementation," Prof Baker explained. "The major shortcoming of modern medicine lies in the absence of continuous monitoring tools to inform medical practitioners of the early onset and progression of a disease." With recent investment from the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) to establish an Electrochemical Sensors Node at UWC's NanoMicro Manufacturing Facility (NMMF), Prof Baker's team is now positioned to print and test these sensors on flexible substrates under real-life conditions. "We are bridging a crucial gap in healthcare knowledge and implementation," she explained. Prof Baker's work spans health, energy, and environmental sectors, with international collaborations accelerating innovation. A long-standing partnership with CY Paris University has led to joint research, student exchanges, and co-authored publications. "Collaborative research sharpens our skills and pushes us to think beyond our comfort zones." One of her most exciting projects, a biosensor for detecting uric acid in gout patients, has evolved into a potential global solution. Initially addressing gout prevalence in rural South Africa, the project now explores embedding sensors in shoe insoles for continuous biomarker monitoring, with partnerships forming between medical institutions and tech developers. While Prof Baker acknowledged progress for women in electrochemistry, she highlights systemic challenges. "Women often remain primary caregivers, facing career interruptions due to maternity leave and family demands - factors rarely accounted for in promotions," she noted. Her advice to institutions? "Surround yourself with leaders who embody excellence, kindness and fairness. We must create spaces where all can thrive." As Prof Baker continues to innovate in sensor technology and advocate for inclusivity, her work stands as a testament to resilience, collaboration, and the transformative power of science.
