Prof. Marthie Ehlers, Professor and Principal Medical Scientist at the University of Pretoria’s Faculty of Health Sciences, has been awarded a C2 rating by the National Research Foundation (NRF). Holding a PhD in Microbiology, Prof. Ehlers has committed her research to exploring the genomic diversity and evolution of antibiotic-resistant bacterial pathogens, including Staphylococcus aureus, Clostridioides difficile, and Escherichia coli, with the aim of advancing knowledge in the field of antibiotic resistance. 

“I am grateful and honoured that years of hard work and dedication were recognised in this manner,” she said. Her work primarily uses whole genome sequencing to understand the resistome (the collection of resistance genes), mobilome (genes that are transferred between bacteria), and virulome (genes related to disease severity) of these pathogens. Through metagenomics and microbiome studies on diseases like cystic fibrosis and tuberculosis in HIV-positive patients, her research aims to improve treatment outcomes and deepen the understanding of polymicrobial infections.

Prof. Ehlers emphasises the importance of empowering future scientists. "As a C2-rated scientist, I am committed to empowering and developing the next generation of researchers," she stated. To date, she has supervised or co-supervised 58 MSc and 22 PhD students, many of whom are women, and serves as a mentor to junior pathologists and postdoctoral fellows.

Her research in antibiotic resistance has expanded over the past eight years, leading to significant international collaborations and publications in high-impact journals. “Ongoing research continues to focus on the emergence of multidrug-resistant bacteria that are global public health threats,” she explained. Diverse molecular and genotyping methods, including microbiome studies, transcriptomics, and metagenomics, form part of her ongoing research projects.

Prof. Ehlers has been an NRF-rated researcher since 2007, maintaining and improving her rating through continuous dedication. “It’s critical to ensure that your research is relevant and novel, and that you're using cutting-edge technologies,” she noted. She believes that perseverance and embracing challenges are key to achieving long-term goals.

Obtaining the C2 rating is not only a reflection of Prof. Ehlers' dedication but also a source of motivation for her future work. “This recognition serves as motivation to continue and to strive for an improved rating in the future,” she concluded.

With her continued focus on antibiotic resistance, Prof. Ehlers aims to build on her collaborations and expand her research to contribute to global efforts in combating multidrug-resistant bacterial pathogens.