Runè van der Merwe, a final-year PhD student in the Department of Zoology and Entomology at the University of the Free State (UFS), has been selected as one of eight recipients of the prestigious L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science National Programme Award in 2025. The accolade recognises exceptional early-career women scientists whose research demonstrates innovation, perseverance, and societal impact. Van der Merwe’s work, focusing on population ecology and wildlife dynamics in small reserves, is gaining national and international recognition for its significance in conservation and biodiversity management.

“When I learned that I had been selected, I was honestly in disbelief. It took a moment for the news to sink in. Then came a wave of excitement and gratitude,” Van der Merwe shared. “It’s an incredible honour to be recognised in this way, especially by a programme that celebrates women making a difference in science.”

The 2025 awards, hosted by L’Oréal South Africa in partnership with UNESCO, highlighted the work of eight outstanding female scientists tackling some of Africa’s most pressing challenges – from cancer care and renewable energy to clean water and environmental conservation. “When women scientists are empowered, their innovations ripple through communities, economies, and ecosystems,” said Serge Sacre, CEO of L’Oréal South Africa. Rune’s research adds to this diverse portfolio, providing critical insights for wildlife conservation in shrinking ecosystems.

A lifelong curiosity fuels a remarkable journey

Van der Merwe’s path to zoology and entomology was unplanned yet driven by a deep-rooted curiosity about the natural world. “I could never have predicted that I would end up here in this particular field of research. Growing up on a farm and spending most of my time outdoors fostered a lasting love for animals and the environment,” she explained. Exposure to inspiring lectures, research talks, and supportive supervisors gradually led her to specialise in the ecology of large mammals – a journey she describes as “a journey I never planned, but one for which I am deeply grateful.”

Her academic journey reflects both breadth and depth. She completed a BSc in Zoology and Genetics, a BSc Honours in Zoology, and an MSc in Zoology at the UFS. Her honours research explored density-dependent habitat selection in rodents, revealing the role of interspecific competition in shaping habitat use. During her MSc, she examined individual niche specialisation in large-bodied mammalian herbivores, uncovering complex behavioural strategies that challenge conventional assumptions about body size and ecological roles.

Currently, Van der Merwe is completing her PhD under a joint-degree scholarship with the University of Groningen in the Netherlands. Her research focuses on how large mammal populations persist in small, fragmented reserves. “By examining how species share limited resources and coexist under such constraints, this research aims to identify the processes that sustain wildlife and ecosystems in these compressed landscapes,” she said.

Her work has been supported by multiple grants and scholarships, including the NRF-Nuffic scholarship, the Centre of Excellence in Palaeosciences (GENUS), the Palaeontological Scientific Trust (PAST), the National Research Foundation (NRF), and a travel grant from the University of Groningen. “This support has been instrumental in shaping my academic journey and enabling me to pursue my research goals,” she said.

Women in science: challenges, perseverance, and inspiration

The L’Oréal-UNESCO programme recognises women whose research is innovative, impactful, and socially relevant. Van der Merwe described the award as a personal and professional milestone: “Personally, it serves as a reminder of how far I have come and that the curiosity, dedication, and long hours invested in my research truly matter. Professionally, it provides recognition and numerous opportunities that will greatly contribute to my academic growth.”

As a woman in science, Van der Merwe has occasionally faced challenges in male-dominated environments, particularly during fieldwork. “At times, it felt like my voice had to be twice as loud to be heard,” she said. “What has helped me overcome these challenges is learning to trust my own expertise and remain grounded in the value of my work. Every woman who perseveres, excels and takes her place in science, making the path a little smoother for those who follow.”

She stresses the importance of visibility and support for women in STEM: “Initiatives like the L’Oréal-UNESCO programme provide opportunities, mentorship, and resources that break down barriers for women. They show young women that they are capable scientists, inspire confidence, and reinforce the importance of their work.”