It was the political climate of Aids denialism that fuelled Professor Lenine Liebenberg's interest in preventing HIV infections.
The renowned scientist from Mitchells Plain, Cape Town, now leads Stellenbosch University's Immunology Research Programme at the Centre for Epidemic Response and Innovation (CERI), which works to address local and global biological threats.
As the country joined the world in celebrating International Day of Women and Girls on 11 February, Liebenberg encouraged young women in science to embrace mentorship to meet their professional and personal goals.