South African researcher Samantha Loggenberg, a PhD candidate at the University of Pretoria, has been honoured with the L’Oréal–UNESCO For Women in Science Award for her groundbreaking work exploring the use of indigenous medicinal plants in treating triple-negative breast cancer.
“The reason why I lean so heavily into this research is that breast cancer is one of the most aggressive types of cancer. It’s one of those cancers that just readily metastasises.”
Loggenberg’s research builds on traditional knowledge of local plants used for healing, translating that wisdom into modern scientific validation.
Her current study focuses on identifying specific compounds that could stop the spread of breast cancer cells.
She says the recognition has been “liberating and motivating”, adding that awards like this help women in science overcome bias and isolation in a field still dominated by men.
“Being a woman in science comes with so many challenges, and almost an unspoken bias towards women as well. When it comes to the L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Award, it felt liberating. It reignites your passion and your confidence to kind of say I’m on the right path, what I’m doing does matter, and I think it is super inspirational.”
She also hopes the award will inspire young women to pursue scientific research despite its challenges.
“In the end, it is going to be worth it.”
Her research forms part of a wider initiative to bridge traditional medicine and modern oncology, with the goal of one day discovering plant-based cancer therapies that can save lives.
To listen to Samantha Loggenberg in conversation with CapeTalk’s Pippa Hudson, click the audio below: