UP's Dr. Nompumelelo Lebogang Malaza has earned top honours at the Merck Foundation Africa Research Summit (MARS) Awards 2024, securing first position in the prestigious competition. Recognised as the Best African Women Researcher, Dr. Malaza’s ground-breaking work in maternal health has positioned her at the forefront of scientific innovation on the continent.

Upon receiving the award, Dr. Malaza expressed deep gratitude and humility. “Winning this award truly touched my heart. I felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude and humility. It highlighted the significance of my research in enhancing the health of mothers and babies. I was proud to be acknowledged alongside the leading women researchers in Africa, which inspires me to continue pushing the boundaries of scientific knowledge.”

Dr. Malaza’s research focuses on identifying biochemical markers and microRNAs (miRNAs) as potential biomarkers for glycemic control and adverse outcomes in pregnancies complicated by hyperglycemia. Given the increasing prevalence of hyperglycemia in pregnancy and its significant impact on both mothers and children, her work seeks to enhance early detection and improve management strategies.

“My research explored the predictive capabilities of adiponectin, leptin, sex-hormone binding globulin, and specific miRNAs in predicting complications, ultimately improving monitoring, early intervention, and maternal-fetal health outcomes,” she explained.

Her study is particularly crucial in Africa, where healthcare disparities often lead to late diagnoses and severe complications. “Diabetes during pregnancy is a serious concern that affects both mothers and their babies. I feel a strong urgency to address this issue, especially given the lack of early predictive biomarkers for managing glycemic control and preventing adverse outcomes. My passion lies in creating non-invasive and accessible diagnostic tools that can truly make a difference in clinical decision-making and enhance pregnancy outcomes,” she added.

The journey to this achievement was not without its challenges. Dr. Malaza recalled the demanding process of preparing her abstract for the competition. “Preparing my abstract required me to summarize complex and extensive data from my PhD thesis in a concise yet engaging manner. One of the biggest challenges was clearly communicating my findings while maintaining scientific rigor. Additionally, ensuring that my research aligned with the award’s criteria necessitated multiple revisions. Despite these challenges, the process was incredibly rewarding and helped me refine my scientific writing skills.”

Dr. Malaza attributes her success to the unwavering support of her mentors and research institutions. “My mentors, Professors Sumaiya Adam and Carmen Pheiffer, along with my research colleagues and family, have played a vital role in my journey. The Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Pretoria, UP Diabetes Research Centre, and the South African Medical Research Council’s BRIP have provided essential resources, training, and support that have enabled me to conduct high-quality research.”

Winning the MARS Award has significant implications for Dr. Malaza’s career and the future of maternal healthcare research in Africa. “This recognition enhances the visibility of my research and provides a platform to advocate for increased investment in biomarker-driven diagnostic tools for pregnancies complicated by hyperglycemia, post-delivery follow up and non-communicable diseases (NCD) awareness. Additionally, it improves my chances of collaborating with leading researchers in maternal-fetal medicine. I hope this opportunity will pave the way for translating my research into clinical applications that can directly benefit pregnant women at risk of diabetes-related complications.”

Looking ahead, Dr. Malaza aims to publish her findings in high-impact journals and further explore the role of artificial intelligence and machine learning in biomarker-based predictive models for pregnancy complications and the impact of hyperglycemia during pregnancy on  mental health. “My next steps involve publishing my findings in high-impact journals and collaborating with other researchers to develop solutions for improving maternal-fetal health.”

Beyond her personal research ambitions, Dr. Malaza is committed to inspiring and supporting young women in science. “Believe in the significance of your research and always be willing to share your work. Science focuses on discovery and innovation, and setbacks are a natural part of this journey. Seek out mentorship, establish a strong support network, and continually improve your skills. Most importantly, support and uplift other women in research—collaboration is essential for driving meaningful change.”

She also highlighted the instrumental role played by the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Pretoria in fostering an environment conducive to groundbreaking research. “The faculty has created a dynamic and resource-rich environment that was essential for my research success. Access to expert mentorship, workshops, and training, along with opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration, has significantly enhanced my ability to conduct innovative and impactful research.”

Her message to aspiring researchers is one of perseverance and purpose: “Stay curious, resilient, and committed to making a difference. Research has the power to transform lives, and every discovery, whether big or small, contributes to scientific progress. Pursue excellence with passion and never underestimate the value of your contributions to the global scientific community.”