For more than four decades, Dr Lucia Steenkamp, CSIR chief researcher, has championed science that moves beyond the laboratory to create tangible economic, environmental and societal impact.
She also serves as Director of the Industrial Biocatalysis Hub, hosted by the CSIR and funded by the Technology Innovation Agency and the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation.
Through partnerships with academia and industry, the hub develops commercially viable technologies using biocatalysis and green chemistry. These approaches provide more sustainable alternatives to conventional chemical manufacturing by reducing waste and minimising environmental impact.
She says: “My most significant contribution has been advancing green technologies that support sustainable manufacturing, the circular economy and the growth of the bioeconomy. The true measure of innovation is its ability to move beyond the laboratory into commercialisation, creating meaningful environmental, economic and societal impact.”
This commitment to research with real-world impact was recognised in 2018 when she received the South African Women in Science Award for Research and Innovation.
Her career has also been shaped by resilience, independence and a strong belief in excellence. Dr Steenkamp credits her father with encouraging her to work hard, approach challenges with confidence and maintain integrity. Her academic journey further reinforced these qualities, from being the only student in her BSc Honours course to completing a PhD in two years while undertaking classified HIV research.
“Over the decades, I have played an active role in the evolution of chemistry towards cleaner, safer and more sustainable technologies. I consider biocatalysis, which involves using enzymes and microorganisms to produce valuable products, a powerful example of this transformation and an important opportunity for Africa,” she explains.
According to Dr Steenkamp, CSIR researchers are frequently involved in the full innovation journey, from discovery and development to scale-up and piloting. Her international experience and profile have also strengthened her appreciation of South African science. Despite often working with smaller teams and fewer resources than their international counterparts, South African researchers have demonstrated creativity, adaptability and practical problem-solving skills.
Looking to the future, she sees significant opportunities for green chemistry and commercially focused research to address Africa’s challenges, including unemployment, sustainability and industrial development.
After more than 40 years in science, Dr Steenkamp hopes her legacy will be defined by the people she has mentored, the technologies successfully implemented at commercial scale and their contribution to South Africa’s bioeconomy and manufacturing sector, as well as the researchers she has inspired.
Her message to young women considering careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics is clear: “Your unique perspective, curiosity and voice are vital. Women in science today have more opportunities than ever before and that is a hopeful foundation on which to build.” She encourages women to challenge conventional thinking, embrace mistakes as part of the learning process, pursue their ambitions with confidence and uplift others along the way.
Expert bio:
Dr Lucia Steenkamp
Chief researcher II and CSIR Research Group Leader: Biocatalysis, Future Production Chemicals
Director: Industrial Biocatalysis Hub (IBH)
PhD: Biochemistry, the University of Johannesburg (formerly Rand Afrikaans University)
Dr Steenkamp is a specialist with an established track record in research and development that has earned her an international profile and recognition as a leader in the fields of biochemistry and biocatalysis.
She received the 2018 South African Women in Science Award for Distinguished Woman in Research and Innovation.
She also serves as Director of the IBH, which is co-funded by the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation and the Technology Innovation Agency.
The IBH offers research and development opportunities, scale-up facilities, funding, collaboration opportunities, skills development and training for young people in biomanufacturing.
Click here to read her Mail & Guardian thought leadership article.
Published 26 August 2026