Editor’s Note

In previous issues, Science Focus highlighted staff members who were the first or last authors in peer-reviewed publications. Moving forward, we are expanding our approach. Starting with this issue, we will include a dedicated section acknowledging all publications where a National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) staff member contributed, even if they were not the first or last author.

As an organisation, we recognise the significant effort and collaboration that goes into research. Many of our staff members play vital roles in groundbreaking studies, contributing expertise and dedication to advance scientific knowledge. It is only fitting that we acknowledge their contributions each quarter. That said, our primary focus will continue to be on profiling first and last authors.

This issue covers peer-reviewed publications from the last quarter (October to December), featuring 29 diverse studies across NICD centres. As always, these publications offer valuable insights into various health and science disciplines.

Among the key articles featured is a study from the NICD’s Sequencing Core Facility, a cutting-edge department enhancing our genomic surveillance and public health research. Titled “Whole genome sequencing assisted outbreak investigation of Salmonella Enteritidis at a hospital in South Africa, September 2022”, the study demonstrates how whole genome sequencing (WGS) was used to analyse bacterial isolates, supporting an epidemiological investigation. Using Illumina NextSeq technology, researchers applied advanced bioinformatics tools to generate critical insights.

We invite you to explore this issue for these and many other insightful contributions to the field of health and science.