Professor Emerita Valerie Mizrahi elected to prestigious US academy

Professor Emerita Valerie Mizrahi, world-renowned tuberculosis (TB) researcher and senior academic at the University of Cape Town (UCT), has been elected as an international honorary member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences – one of the most prestigious academic societies in the United States.

The announcement, made on 22 April, recognises Professor Mizrahi’s outstanding contributions to the field of biological sciences. She joins a select group of global scholars who have been honoured for their excellence across disciplines ranging from science and technology, to the arts, humanities and public affairs.

Mizrahi is the director of UCT’s Molecular Mycobacteriology Research Unit and former director of the Institute for Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine. She was elected in the biological sciences category, under the immunology and microbiology subfield.

Founded in 1870, the American Academy of Arts and Sciences brings together exceptional individuals to address critical global challenges and advance the public good. Its members include Nobel and Pulitzer Prize winners, public intellectuals, artists and scientists.

Mizrahi joins other UCT members of the academy, including former Vice-Chancellor interim Emeritus Professor Daya Reddy and former chair and head of the Department of Medicine Emeritus Professor Soloman (Solly) Benatar. Other distinguished South Africans who have also been awarded membership include Professor Quarraisha Abdool-Karim from the Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa, and Stellenbosch University’s Professor Jonathan Jansen.

‘Special privilege’

“It is a special privilege to be elected to an academy that includes such esteemed scholars from UCT and other institutions in South Africa, as well as scholars from across the globe who have distinguished themselves in all fields of human endeavour,” Mizrahi said. “It holds very special significance, given the divisiveness, polarisation and strife that characterise our world today.”

“It holds very special significance, given the divisiveness, polarisation and strife that characterise our world today.”

Reflecting on the announcement, Mizrahi described a sense of overwhelming emotion – surprise, joy and, most of all, gratitude.

“I am deeply honoured and profoundly grateful to accept the invitation of membership to this prestigious academy,” she said. “I have been privileged to spend my life surrounded by people who have loved, supported and accompanied me through my journey as a mother and daughter, and as a scholar and mentor.”

She expressed heartfelt appreciation to her family for their unwavering support, patience and understanding, which allowed her the freedom to pursue her dreams. She also credited her mentors, colleagues and institutional affiliations – including UCT, the University of the Witwatersrand and the National Health Laboratory Service – for providing spaces that nurtured her growth as a scientist.

Nurturing new talent

“And of course, the many brilliant young people who have worked in my group over the years, this honour rightly belongs to you,” she added.

Mizrahi said helping to develop a new generation of scientists who are making key contributions to public health in Africa has been a source of immense pride and joy.

She now looks forward to attending the academy’s induction ceremony in Boston, Massachusetts in October, and to contributing to its continued mission of excellence.