Professor Elmien Bronkhorst, Associate Professor and Head of the Department of Clinical Pharmacy at Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU), has been awarded a C2 researcher rating by the National Research Foundation (NRF), recognising her established record of research productivity and contribution to clinical pharmacy.
The NRF C2 category is reserved for established researchers who have demonstrated sustained recent productivity and are recognised by their peers for the quality and coherence of their research. The assessment also considers a researcher’s ability to conceptualise research problems and apply appropriate methodologies to investigate them.
According to the NRF criteria, C2 applicants are those for whom all reviewers are firmly convinced that they are established researchers. The category also recognises researchers who may have international recognition for the quality and impact of their recent research outputs.
Bronkhorst said the rating was significant in recognising her research journey and the contribution of her work to clinical pharmacy in South Africa. “Receiving the NRF C2 rating is both an honour and a humbling recognition of my research contributions. It affirms the value of sustained scholarship, collaboration, and a commitment to generating evidence that addresses meaningful healthcare challenges. For me, this recognition is not only a reflection of past achievements but also a motivation to continue mentoring emerging researchers and contributing research that can improve patient care and health outcomes,” said Bronkhorst.
Prof Bronkhorst has been based at SMU’s School of Pharmacy since March 2014. Her academic responsibilities include teaching in the Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharm) and postgraduate Clinical Pharmacy programmes, supervising doctoral, master’s and undergraduate research projects, supporting research funding applications and contributing to statistical analysis.
She holds a PhD in Pharmacy from SMU, awarded between 2016 and 2019. Her doctoral research examined the practice of clinical pharmacy in private and public hospitals in South Africa, including the working environment and education of clinical pharmacists, the functions of specialist pharmacists, and guidelines for implementing clinical pharmacy services.
Her research output has continued to expand, with publications in 2026 addressing areas including dry eye disease management, respiratory tract infections, ischaemic heart disease, drug-related problems in South African hospitals and antibiotic prescribing in primary healthcare.
Her recent research has also examined antimicrobial stewardship, HIV treatment, medication errors, smoking and vaping cessation, insomnia, and the role and implementation of clinical pharmacy services in South Africa.
Prof Bronkhorst said her research is closely linked to improving pharmaceutical care and strengthening clinical pharmacists’ contribution to patient care. “My research focuses on advancing clinical pharmacy practice to improve patient outcomes through the safe, effective, and responsible use of medicines. A particular area of interest is antimicrobial stewardship, including HIV-positive patients, which plays a critical role in preserving the effectiveness of life-saving antibiotics, combating antimicrobial resistance, and ensuring that patients receive the right treatment at the right time. Ultimately, my goal is to generate evidence that supports better clinical decision-making and contributes to safer, higher-quality healthcare,” she explains.
She has also contributed to the development of future pharmacists through postgraduate research supervision. In 2026, students under her supervision have undertaken research into antibiotic dose adjustments, antiretroviral stewardship, medication errors and drug interactions, and the use of second-generation antibiotics in private clinical practice.
Her professional achievements include selection for the Future Professor’s Programme Cohort 2 for 2024–2025 and receiving the SMU Vice-Chancellor Teaching and Learning Award in 2021.
Prof Bronkhorst said the recognition also reflected the importance of collaboration, mentorship, and the development of the next generation of researchers. “One of the most rewarding aspects of academia is contributing to the development of future researchers and enhancing the future of the profession of Clinical Pharmacy. Through student supervision and collaborative research, I aim not only to generate new knowledge but also to cultivate curiosity, a commitment to lifelong learning, and a commitment to evidence-based practice. Investing in young researchers is an investment in the future of healthcare and scientific advancement, and it is highly satisfying to see students excel.”
The C2 rating adds a significant research accolade to Prof Bronkhorst’s career spanning clinical practice, teaching, postgraduate supervision, academic leadership and research focused on strengthening pharmaceutical care and patient outcomes in South Africa.
By Tumelo Moila.
