Dr Lucinda Baatjies is a Senior Scientist at the South African Medical Research Council and a Molecular and Cell Biologist in the Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics (Tygerberg Medical School, Stellenbosch University). Her work bridges the disciplines of host–pathogen biology and TB phytochemical therapeutics. She completed her PhD in Molecular Biology at Stellenbosch University, where she investigated the expression and immunogenicity of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis Rv1460, a regulator implicated in the pathogen’s survival and stress-response mechanisms.

Dr Baatjies’ interests centre on the cell biology of phytochemicals within host–pathogen dynamics. She investigates how phytochemicals influence intracellular pathways in host cells infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Through this research, she aims to identify phytochemical-based modulators of infection biology that could support or enhance current therapeutic strategies.

In addition to her focus on phytochemical-host dynamics, Dr Baatjies actively explores drug repurposing strategies, identifying innovative, evidence-based uses of approved pharmaceuticals for alternative anti-TB indications.