When a research paper leaps from the quiet world of academia into the glare of public debate, it is rarely accidental. For Prof Suranie Horn of the North-West University (NWU), that moment arrived when she and her colleagues revealed that HIV antiretrovirals (ARVs) such as lopinavir and efavirenz were not only saving lives but also seeping into South Africa’s rivers. The study showed that residues downstream of wastewater treatment plants were accumulating in aquatic ecosystems, with troubling consequences.
The research generated extensive media coverage and jolted policymakers. The Department of Water and Sanitation has since committed to engage with NWU on the study’s implications. This is a clear signal that government recognises the urgent need to rethink how public health victories are balanced with environmental sustainability. For Horn, who has built her career in environmental toxicology, which is still a male-dominated scientific field, this is a vindication of decades of persistence.
On her journey into science
“I have been fortunate to work alongside strong female mentors whom I looked up to. I can single out my supervisor, Professor Rialet Pieters, who not only believed in my potential but also actively created opportunities for me to develop and showcase my skills. Key moments included being invited to contribute to significant projects early in my career, gaining exposure to interdisciplinary collaborations and receiving guidance on both the technical and leadership aspects of research. These experiences strengthened my scientific expertise, broadened my professional network and built my confidence in a male-dominated field to grow into a leading researcher in environmental toxicology.”
The ARV study’s media and public attention
“It was a bittersweet moment, but also one I had been hoping for throughout my career as a scientist. For the first time, our research came to the attention of the right people who can use these findings to make a real difference. My hope is that this attention will translate into informed policy and meaningful change.”
The uneasy balance of human and environmental health
“For me this finding shows how closely human and environmental health are intertwined and that success in one area should not come at the silent expense of the other. The findings made me realise that our strategies for combating diseases need to be accompanied by equal consideration for the ecological systems that sustain life. This means advocating for solutions that are not only medically effective but also environmentally sustainable ensuring that in protecting people today, we do not compromise the health of ecosystems that future generations depend on.
On influencing policy as a woman scientist
“As a woman in science, it’s significant since representation matters, and I hope this moment demonstrates to younger women in STEM that their voices and research can carry weight at the highest levels. It’s both a professional milestone and a reminder of the responsibility we have to ensure our work drives positive, evidence-based action.”
The resonance of Women’s Month
“This moment holds deep personal significance for me. As a researcher, contributing to both environmental sustainability and public health policy feels like the most meaningful application of my work in bridging the gap between research and real-world change. It reinforces the idea that science is not just about discovery, but about responsibility.
Experiencing this during Women’s Month adds another layer of meaning. It’s a reminder of the progress women have made in fields like environmental toxicology, which have historically been male-dominated, and of the work still to be done. For me, it’s both a celebration and an encouragement to keep pushing boundaries, mentoring others, and ensuring that the science we produce continues to serve both people and the planet and that dissemination of research findings is essential.”
Her advice to future scholars
“To succeed in interdisciplinary environmental research, emerging women researchers should focus on building strong networks, seek mentorship and proactively engage with research opportunities. Also, communicate their research ideas and findings to diverse audiences, including policymakers, the public, and other researchers.
The NWU as an institution has been instrumental in my career wins and offers opportunities in the form of funding initiatives, leadership development programs and fostering a culture of inclusivity and collaboration for young researchers. I believe the NWU can metaphorically be seen as a vessel, and rising female scholars should jump on board, enjoy the ride and take this vessel to reach the stars – but remember to take some time and stop to smell the flowers along the journey.”
