Ethel-Michele de Villiers

Ethel-Michele de Villiers (born 1947) is a South African virologist and researcher known for her revolutionary work in the study of human papillomaviruses (HPV) and their role in cancer development. As a leader in virology research at the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), de Villiers made significant contributions to understanding the molecular mechanisms behind HPV-related cancers, including cervical cancer. Her work has influenced global cancer research and vaccine development, particularly the HPV vaccine, yet she has not been as widely recognized in mainstream sources. Her achievements are often overshadowed by her husband and collaborator, Nobel laureate Harald zur Hausen, despite her crucial role in advancing cancer virology.

De Villiers was instrumental in identifying and characterizing numerous HPV types, significantly contributing to the body of knowledge that links HPV to cervical cancer. Her research has not only influenced the field of virology but also provided insights into other cancers and chronic diseases associated with viral infections.

More recently, de Villiers has led studies into Bovine Meat and Milk Factors (BMMFs), a novel category of pathogens found in bovine products. Her work explores the potential links between these factors, long-term inflammation, and the development of cancer, opening new possibilities for disease prevention and treatment.^[1]

Ethel-Michele de Villiers was born in Pretoria, South Africa, in 1947. After she finished High School, she studied biology at the University of Pretoria. After obtaining her Doctor of Science in 1980, she spent some time at the University of Freiburg in Germany. She later returned to South Africa, where she worked at the Veterinary Institute Onderstepoort. Her early academic work laid the foundation for her future contributions to the field of virology, particularly in understanding the role of viruses in human diseases. In 1984, de Villiers began working at the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), one of the leading institutions in the world for cancer research.^[2] Her move to Germany marked the start of her collaborative work with prominent scientists, including her husband and colleague Harald zur Hausen, with whom she co-led several important research projects. During her time in Germany, she gained significant recognition for her work in virus-induced cancer and became an influential figure in identifying the connection between human papillomaviruses (HPVs) and cervical cancer. Her early experiences in South Africa and Germany were instrumental in shaping her scientific career and passion for virology.

Ethel-Michele de Villiers is best known for her pioneering research in virology, particularly her work on human papillomaviruses (HPVs) and their connection to cervical cancer. She worked alongside her husband, Harald zur Hausen, who won the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 2008 for his groundbreaking discovery of the link between HPV and cervical cancer. Her work was crucial to the development of the HPV vaccine.

De Villiers played a leading role in the identification and classification of numerous HPV types, contributing significantly to the scientific understanding of viral carcinogenesis. Her research showed how HPVs could cause cutaneous human malignancies, broadening the understanding of viral involvement in various forms of cancer.

In addition to her HPV work, de Villiers' research also delved into emerging viruses.^[3] She co-led studies on Bovine Meat and Milk Factors (BMMFs), a newly identified category of pathogens linked to chronic diseases, including cancer. These BMMFs are believed to be associated with long-term inflammation, which can lead to cancer and other health issues. This work is ongoing, and her contributions to understanding these viruses are critical in the context of cancer prevention and chronic disease management.

Ethel-Michele de Villiers' work has earned significant recognition in the field of virology and cancer research. Although her contributions have often been overshadowed in public recognition, she has earned respect and admiration from her peers within the scientific community.^{[citation needed]}

In recognition of her contributions to human papillomavirus research, she served as the chair of the International HPV Reference Center at the German Cancer Research Center from 1984 to 2013. This role positioned her as a key figure in advancing global HPV research, leading to the eventual development of the HPV vaccine that has saved countless lives worldwide.^{[citation needed]}

De Villiers' collaboration with her husband, Harald zur Hausen, who won the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 2008, has been pivotal. While she was not individually awarded the Nobel Prize, her influence on the discovery of the link between HPV and cervical cancer was immense, as acknowledged by zur Hausen himself. In a 2011 tribute, he described her as having influenced and inspired his life "like no other person."^[4] Their collaboration was crucial in the establishment of HPV as a leading cause of cervical cancer.

Her efforts in the research of Bovine Meat and Milk Factors (BMMFs) have also positioned her as a leading researcher in the investigation of viral carcinogenesis beyond HPV. These discoveries continue to impact the field of cancer prevention and chronic disease management.^{[citation needed]}