My research focuses on the rational design, synthesis, and evaluation of novel small molecules targeting complex neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders. A primary pillar of my work is optimising treatments for central nervous system disorders.

Prof Petzer specialises in the rational design and development of novel small-molecule therapeutics targeting critical enzymes that are involved in neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric diseases. Prof Petzer has successfully diversified her research by establishing an innovative program dedicated to small-molecule therapeutics of snakebite envenoming.

David Dago N’Da, BSc, BSc (Hons), MSc (University of Abidjan, Ivory Coast), MSc, PhD (University of the Witwatersrand) is doctor of Medicinal Chemistry in the Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry at the NWU.  He is a medicinal chemist who specialises in the chemistry of antimalarial drugs, whilst his research focuses on the rational design and synthesis of new compounds with potential antimalarial activity.  He has supervised a large number of post-graduate students and has several PhD and MSc students currently under his supervision.  He is the au