Professor Lise Korsten, President of the African Academy of Sciences (AAS) and esteemed plant pathologist, has been awarded the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2025 NSTF–South32 Awards. This national accolade, often dubbed South Africa’s “Science Oscars,” recognizes her decades of pioneering contributions to science, policy, and societal well-being. 

The NSTF–South32 Awards gala took place on 31 July 2025, where Professor Korsten was commended for her outstanding work in food safety and plant health. Her research in plant pathology and microbiology has produced practical, sustainable solutions that protect South Africa’s food supply—addressing foodborne illnesses, minimizing post-harvest losses, and elevating national food security standards. 

Professor Korsten’s influence is not confined to academia. She has played a central role in shaping national and international food safety policy—offering expert insights to Parliament, and serving on expert committees for the FAO, WHO, and the African Union. She’s also actively involved in regional actions combating antimicrobial resistance and improving foodborne disease surveillance. 

Her leadership extends to her groundbreaking role as the first woman to be elected President of the African Academy of Sciences in 2023, a position she uses to promote inclusion, collaboration, and scientific excellence across the continent.