This week on Womanity, Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka speaks with Dr Sarah Pedretti, Principal Scientific Officer at the University of Cape Town Lung Institute. Dr Pedretti traces her academic path from France and Switzerland to South Africa, highlighting how international collaboration, mentorship, and intellectual curiosity led her to Cape Town. What began as a one-year postdoctoral opportunity evolved into a long-term commitment to African health research.

Collaboration Over Competition: How Science Truly Advances

Dr Pedretti challenges the myth of the lone scientist, explaining that modern research depends on collaboration across borders, disciplines, and institutions. She reflects on the importance of global conferences, shared data, and collective problem-solving—especially in a world where funding is scarce and duplication of research wastes precious resources.

Inside the UCT Lung Institute: Research from Patient to Cell

At the UCT Lung Institute, research is deeply integrated with patient care. Dr Pedretti explains how clinical consultations, paediatric allergy services, and clinical trials feed directly into laboratory science. Her work spans the entire value chain—from real patients and clinical symptoms to cellular mechanisms—ensuring that research outcomes remain grounded in lived health realities.

Why Allergies Are on the Rise

With nearly one-third of South Africans expected to experience an allergic condition in their lifetime, Dr Pedretti unpacks why allergies are increasing. Environmental factors such as pollution and urbanisation intersect with improved awareness and diagnosis. Alarmingly, up to 40% of allergy sufferers are children, making this a growing public health concern.

The Hidden Danger: Allergic Reactions to Medication

A major focus of Dr Pedretti’s research is drug-induced allergic reactions—particularly to hypertension, HIV, and TB medications. These reactions are often overlooked because patients assume prescribed medicine cannot be the source of harm.

Women, Hormones, and Immunity

The conversation explores why women are more prone to allergic and immune-mediated conditions after puberty. Hormonal changes linked to menstruation and menopause can intensify symptoms, underscoring the need for gender-sensitive research and treatment approaches in immunology and allergy care.

A Critical Skills Shortage: Where Are the Allergists?

Despite rising allergy prevalence, South Africa has only 14 trained allergists—most of them based in Cape Town. Dr Pedretti highlights this severe shortage and reflects on why allergy remains an under-recognised medical specialty, despite its growing burden on public health systems.

Funding, Gender, and the Real Barriers in Science

Contrary to common assumptions, Dr Pedretti notes that gender itself has not been her primary barrier. Instead, funding constraints remain the biggest challenge in scientific careers. She discusses navigating local and international funding bodies, philanthropic foundations, and industry partnerships—emphasising adaptability and openness as survival skills in research.

Science with Purpose: From Rooibos to Genomics

Among her most fascinating projects is research into rooibos tea, inspired by a local remedy. Early laboratory findings suggest rooibos may reduce allergic responses, leading to clinical trials that could validate indigenous knowledge through scientific evidence.

Education as Empowerment

Dr Pedretti reflects deeply on the role of education in shaping her career and worldview. She credits accessible education systems, lifelong learning, and critical thinking as foundations for innovation—and stresses how unequal access to education continues to limit potential, particularly for women in Africa.

Success, Integrity, and Passion

For Dr Pedretti, success is built on work ethic, honesty, and resilience. She speaks candidly about long hours, failed experiments, and the importance of publishing negative results. Above all, she believes passion—for science, for patients, for impact—is non-negotiable in a demanding field.

Standing on the Shoulders of Strong Women

The episode wraps up with moving reflections on the women who shaped her journey—her mother, a pharmacist; her postdoctoral supervisor; and the many women leaders she has encountered at UCT. Their example proves that excellence in science and leadership can coexist with family, humanity, and mentorship. Dr Pedretti closes with a powerful call to action:

Tune in for more…