- Professor Tricia Naicker has won the Distinguished Young Woman Researcher in Natural and Engineering Sciences Award at the 23rd South African Women in Science Awards,
- Her research is tackling antimicrobial resistance by developing compounds that restore the effectiveness of existing antibiotics, with some progressing to Phase 1 clinical trials,
- The award recognises Naicker’s outstanding research record and her commitment to inspiring and mentoring the next generation of women in science.
The Director of the Catalysis and Peptide Research Unit at UKZN, Professor Tricia Naicker, has won the Distinguished Young Woman Researcher in Natural and Engineering Sciences Award at the 23rd South African Women in Science Awards (SAWiSA).
Held in Johannesburg last night, the SAWiSA is presented by the Department of Science, Technology, and Innovation (DSTI) and celebrates the achievements of women in science, technology, and innovation, particularly researchers whose work advances knowledge, drives innovation, and inspires the next generation of women and girls to pursue careers in these fields.
Naicker has led multidisciplinary research that brings together synthetic chemistry, microbiology, and biochemistry to advance drug discovery. Her work has contributed to the development of novel compounds that restore the activity of existing antibiotics, with some now entering Phase 1 clinical trials. This research addresses antimicrobial resistance, one of the most pressing challenges facing global health.
A proud UKZN alumna, she obtained her MSc degree (cum laude) in 2008 for her work in synthetic chemistry and completed her PhD in 2011, focusing on the development and application of novel tetrahydroisoquinoline-based organocatalysts. She began her career as an academic in 2013, following postdoctoral studies in Denmark, and has since risen through the ranks to become one of UKZN’s leading researchers.
Her previous accolades include the 2018 NRF Research Excellence Award for Early Career and Emerging Researcher in South Africa, the UKZN Vice-Chancellor’s Award in 2019, and the 2020 Raikes Medal from the South African Chemical Institute.
An NRF C1-rated researcher, she has authored more than 130 peer-reviewed publications, one patent, and three book chapters. She also contributed to Dear Woman in STEM: A Collection for the Next Generation, and has produced invited works focused on mentoring and empowering women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
Naicker said winning the award meant so much to her because it recognised not only her journey in science, but also the perseverance, passion, and people who have supported her along the way. “I hope it inspires young women to believe in themselves, pursue their dreams, and know that they too can make a meaningful impact through science.”
Dr Normah Zondo, Executive Director of the Corporate Relations Division, congratulated Professor Naicker, saying her achievement is a source of immense pride for the University and an inspiration to young women and girls pursuing careers in science, technology, and innovation.
“This is a fitting recognition for Professor Naicker, whose research excellence and commitment to scientific advancement continue to make an impact well beyond UKZN. Her recognition also reflects the strength of UKZN’s research environment and the contributions of our academics to advancing knowledge and developing solutions to complex societal challenges. It reinforces our ambition to become a globally top-ranked, research-intensive university that responds to major societal, economic, and environmental challenges. It also speaks to UKZN’s ability to nurture research talent, create opportunities for collaboration and innovation, and provide an environment in which emerging researchers can realise their full potential,” Zondo said.
Issued by: Corporate Relations Division University of KwaZulu-Natal