“This recognition from the NRF will allow me to expand my work internationally, fostering more collaborations and contributing to global health solutions,” said UP researcher Prof Marietjie Venter about her recent B2 rating.

Professor Marietjie Venter has been awarded a National Research Foundation (NRF) B2 rating for her internationally acclaimed work as a virologist. As an Extraordinary professor at the University of Pretoria’s (UP) Department of Medical Virology, and the Director of the Centre for Emerging Arbo and Respiratory Virus Research, Prof Venter’s extensive work on emerging respiratory viruses and zoonotic mosquito-borne diseases has positioned her as a global leader in the field.

Her research has contributed to understanding the epidemiology, genomics and pathogenesis of respiratory and mosquito-borne viruses, thereby advancing public health and vaccine development efforts in South Africa and beyond.

“I am honoured to receive this acknowledgement as an internationally recognised scientist,” says Prof Venter, who is also the NRF South African Research Chairs Initiative (SARChI) Chair in Emerging Viral Threats, One Health Surveillance and Vaccines at the University of the Witwatersrand’s Infectious Disease and Oncology Research Institute. “It is a reflection of the hard work of my research group, collaborators and student. It’s been a long process, from obtaining my PhD at 28 to my postdoctoral training in the US and my roles at the National Institute for Communicable Diseases of South Africa and the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention. Through these experiences and global collaborations, I’ve built a strong foundation for my current research.”

Over the past 20 years, Prof Venter has focused her research on respiratory viruses linked to pneumonia, and mosquito-borne viruses that cause neurological infections. Her work has contributed to early detection methods, diagnostic tools, and genomic and One Health surveillance programmes aimed at combating viruses like SARS-CoV-2, influenza, the West Nile virus and Shuni virus. She has more than 180 publications with an H-index of 48 (Scopus) and over 10 600 citations.

“My work has always been about understanding the molecular epidemiology and pathogenesis of emerging and re-emerging viruses, working closely with clinicians, veterinarians and entomologists to track and respond to outbreaks,” Prof Venter explains. “We contributed to genomic surveillance for mosquito-borne viruses such as the West Nile virus, and respiratory viruses including the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), influenza and later SARS-CoV-2 as part of the National Genomic Surveillance Network during the COVID-19 pandemic, describing novel variants of concern.”

Her research group was involved in vaccine trials for the West Nile virus in horses, and RSV and influenza in humans. She has worked extensively with the World Health Organisation as an advisor, and chairs the Scientific Advisory Group for Origins of Novel Pathogens, including COVID-19. Additionally, she was the Deputy President for Africa of the World Society of Virology; was selected as a member of the Academy of Science of South Africa in 2022; and co-chaired the eighth World One Health Congress in Cape Town. She has received several awards, including the National Science and Technology Forum award for best research output by an individual (2013), and was a finalist for the Lifetime Achievement Award in 2022 and 2024.

In her role as SARChI Chair, Prof Venter will expand her research into One Health vaccines for humans and animals, building programmes to combat viruses that are emerging as a result of climate change.

“It's challenging to have a narrow research focus when working outside of academia, where public health needs often dictate the research agenda,” she said. “Despite this, I’ve focused on respiratory and zoonotic arboviruses, and my work has contributed to several PhD graduates who now work internationally.”

Prof Venter emphasised the importance of finding a niche that is both locally and globally relevant.

“I have focused on emerging respiratory and zoonotic viruses throughout my career, and I believe this recognition from the NRF will allow me to expand my work internationally, fostering more collaborations and contributing to global health solutions.”

Her new status as a B2 NRF-rated researcher places her in a position to secure more funding and forge international collaborations.

“This recognition will enhance my ability to build stronger networks and further my work on the One Health approach to surveillance and vaccines, especially in light of how climate change is driving the emergence of new viruses.”