Prof Priscilla Baker has been announced as a recipient of the Order of Mapungubwe by President Cyril Ramaphosa. Image: Tamara Goliath/UWC

Renowned University of the Western Cape (UWC) scientist and researcher Prof Priscilla Baker will next week be among 38 distinguished South Africans to be honoured with National Orders by President Cyril Ramaphosa in Pretoria.

Ramaphosa this week announced that Prof Baker, an analytical chemistry scientist and UWC’s Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research and Innovation, will receive the Order of Mapungubwe - Bronze, for her outstanding contribution to scientific research and leadership in science and technology, particularly in the field of electro-analytical chemistry. The prestigious award recognises South Africans who have achieved excellence and made exceptional contributions that benefit the country and the world.

National Orders are the highest awards that a country, through its President, bestows on its citizens and foreign nationals who have made significant contributions to society, democracy, and national building.

Prof Baker thanked the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) for nominating her and said the award was a collective achievement shaped by the many people and communities who had supported her throughout her life.

“It’s a great honour for me to be the recipient [of this award], but I’m fully aware that I do not stand alone,” she said, acknowledging the role of her family and the diverse cultural, sport, professional, academic and faith communities that have been part of her journey.

“Everyone who has crossed my path in one way or another has been part of the making of this moment. I receive this award for all of us,” she said, citing that the honour is a reminder of hard work, excellence, commitment, and the importance of uplifting one another.

Well-known for her groundbreaking research in electrochemistry, some of Prof Baker’s outstanding projects that focus on solving real world problems include the development of a biosensor for detecting uric acid in gout patients. As the director of the Electrochemical Sensors Node of the Nanomicro manufacturing Facility (NMMF) of DSTi, she is at the forefront of developing cutting-edge electrochemical sensors capable of detecting health biomarkers and environmental contaminants. These devices could revolutionise healthcare, particularly in underserved regions like rural Africa, by enabling early detection and continuous monitoring of non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, cancer and heart disease.

Prof Priscilla Baker acknowledged her family and the diverse cultural and faith communities that have been part of her journey. Image: Supplied

Growing up in Bellville South, Prof Baker’s path to schooling and rise to leadership was not without obstacles. She persevered through the troublesome years of boycotts and disruptions, in the mid 1980-1990, under State of Emergency law. She became the first woman of colour to graduate with a BSc in Physical Oceanography from the University of Cape Town. Despite facing systemic discrimination that prevented her from pursuing an honours degree in the field, Prof Baker’s achievements in science reflect her resilience, determination and strong leadership.

For her, receiving the Order of Mapungubwe is a reminder of the importance of national and international networks, and of working together “towards goals greater than ourselves…to never be intimidated or daunted by the next level”.

“I am reminded of the old wisdom which teaches us that individually we can go fast but together we can go far, and we leave a legacy that counts,” she said, crediting the DSTI for investing in women scientists and creating space for them to excel. The South African Women in Science programme (SAWISA) has a glorious history of 30 years and has showcased many brilliant female scientists over the years.

UWC Rector and Vice-Chancellor, Prof Robert Balfour, extended his congratulations to Prof Baker: “This is a proud testimony to Prof Baker's contribution to our University, our country and global scholarship: we are UWC. Well done, Prof Priscilla!"

Some of Prof Baker’s recent awards in 2025 include being Fellow of the Royal Society of South Africa (RSSA) — one of the country’s highest recognitions for scientific excellence. The RSSA Fellowship is awarded to individuals who have demonstrated sustained, impactful contributions to research and scholarship in their field. Earlier in the year, she was named the 2025 L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Laureate for Africa and the Arab States, a global award that celebrates exceptional women scientists whose work is transforming the world.

An NRF (National Research Foundation) B-rated scientist, Prof Baker also serves as the SARChI Chair for Analytical Systems and Processes for Priority and Emerging Contaminants (ASPPEC) – a position that she has held since 2018.