Prof Tricia Naicker

Work and Research

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has emerged as a global health crisis, threatening the efficacy of existing antibiotics and compromising our ability to treat bacterial infections effectively. As a synthetic organic chemist with training and expertise in method development for chemical synthesis, my research focus aims to address the urgent need for new antibacterial compounds that can combat AMR. By developing innovative synthetic methodologies and designing novel molecular structures; this research seeks to contribute to the development of effective antibacterial agents to counteract the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance. I have over 100 publications in ISI journals and graduated 36 MSc/PhD students with an H-index of 22 with one patent. Since I joined academia, I have been fortunate to receive recognition for my contributions and achievements via prestigious awards that testify to my dedication, hard work, and expertise in my chosen endeavors. 2012- Tetrahedron Asymmetry top 25 most cited paper for 2010-2011 2017- National Department of Science and Technology Distinguished Young Women Researcher Award 2018-National Research Foundation Excellence Award for Early Career Academic 2019- University of KwaZulu Natal’s Vice Chancellor’s Award 2020- South African Chemical Institute Raikes Medal 2022- Taylor and Francis-John C. Warner Early Career Researcher Prize 2022- Thieme Chemistry Journals Award