Meet the Finalists in Natural and Engineering Sciences – Distinguished Woman Researcher Category at the South African Women in Science Awards 2025

As South Africa celebrates Women’s Month, the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) proudly unveils the finalists of the South African Women in Science Awards (SAWISA) 2025. These exceptional women exemplify excellence, leadership, and transformative impact in research and innovation. Today, we spotlight the finalists in the Distinguished Woman: Natural and Engineering Sciences
Prof. Alison September is an internationally recognised academic leader in Physiological Sciences at UCT, whose pioneering research, mentorship and leadership have significantly advanced the field of sports and exercise genomics in South Africa and globally. Prof. September currently serves as Deputy Director of the Health through Physical Activity, Lifestyle and Sport Research Centre at UCT. The centre is Africa's only research hub ranked among the global top 25 in sports science contributing directly to SDG 3 (good health and well-being) through impactful, evidence-based research.
Her groundbreaking work on the genetics of musculoskeletal injuries, particularly anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries, has positioned UCT as a global leader in this field. From 2019 to 2022, she was the most prolific author in ACL injury genetics worldwide and played a key role in UCT achieving the number one global ranking in the field. A B2-rated researcher by the NRF, Prof. September has authored 94 publications, 49 of them as lead or senior author, with over 4 600 citations and an h-index of 34.
She has secured multimillions in competitive research funding, with 75% allocated to investigator-led studies on injury prevention and rehabilitation, which are critical public health priorities.
Prof. September has held key leadership roles at UCT, including Head of the Division of Exercise Science and Sports Medicine and Head of Physiological Sciences. As Chair of the Faculty of Health Sciences' Transformation and Equity Committee, she co-developed UCT's transformation charter, affirming her commitment to institutional change.
She co-leads the Genomics of Soft Tissue Injuries consortium, a multinational collaboration with partners in South Africa, Australia, Sweden and Poland, resulting in more than 30 joint publications. Her international stature is further recognised through honorary professorships at the University of Stirling (UK) and Gdansk University of Physical Education and Sport (Poland), as well as fellowships with ASSAf and the European College of Sports Science. In 2024, she was elected to the prestigious US National Academy of Kinesiology, one of the highest honours in the field.
As a dedicated mentor, Prof. September has guided over 50 postgraduate students and postdoctoral fellows, most of them women, contributing to SDG 4 on quality education and gender equity. She co-leads initiatives such as the UK-South Africa Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) Doctoral Training Programme and the Writing for International Research Excellence for Early Career academics in South Africa initiative, collaborating with historically disadvantaged universities to build research capacity and reduce inequalities (SDG 10).
As a passionate science communicator, she engages public audiences through educational videos, radio outreach and fostering SDG 17 (partnerships for the SDGs). As a former executive of South African Women in Science and Engineering, Prof. September continues to champion the advancement of women in STEM.
The South African Women in Science Awards celebrate the outstanding contributions of women researchers across disciplines, inspiring future generations and advancing equity in science, technology, and innovation.
Stay tuned as we continue to profile the 2025 finalists during Women’s Month.