Dr Ilse Trautmann studied at the University of Stellenbosch where she obtained her B.Sc (cum laude) (1981), Hons. B.Sc (cum laude) (1982), and M.Sc (cum laude) (1984) degrees in Plant Physiology, whereafter a Ph.D followed in 1990.

Dr Trautmann is registered as Professional Scientist (Pr. Sci. Nat.) at the SA Council for Natural Scientific Professions (SACNASP). She has published several scientific and popular publications, delivered various papers at international and national conferences, and has done many radio talks on her field of expertise.

After a short post-doc at the University of Stellenbosch in the Department of Botany, she joined the Agricultural Research Council (ARC) at Nietvoorbij in 1991 as Senior Table Grape Researcher where she was also responsible for the establishment of the first biotechnology laboratory in table grape research. Her interest in research management soon led to her promotion in 1998 to Assistant Director: Disease Management at Nietvoorbij. In 2003 she was appointed as Deputy Director: Research at the Western Cape Department of Agriculture. Four years later she was promoted to Director: Research and Technology Development Services, and in 2012 promoted to Chief Director in the same position. In 2021 she was appointed as the first incumbent in the new post of Deputy Director General: Agricultural Research and Regulatory Services at the Department, overseeing the programmes of Research and Technology Development Services, Veterinary Services and Agricultural Economic Services.

Dr Trautmann is currently leading the Climate Change portfolio of her Department and is part of the transversal governance structure on climate change in the Western Cape Government. She signed the Mediterranean Climate Action Partnership (MCAP) agreement on behalf of the Western Cape government at COP28 in Dubai in December 2023, committing to partner with 14 other Mediterranean regions to address climate change challenges and seek sustainable solutions towards climate change resilience.

One of the most significant projects Dr Trautmann has managed was the compilation of the SmartAgri plan, the first provincial sector plan for agriculture to ensure a climate change resilient agricultural sector in the Western Cape. The plan has received international and national recognition and received the Premiers’ Service Excellence Award for the best implemented project in 2018. This was followed by the Eco-Logic Gold Award for Climate Change in 2019. In 2020 the Eco-Logic Gold Award for Climate Change was awarded for her brainchild, the popular radio series “Die Kwikstyg” consisting of 104 programmes on climate change, which was broadcasted on RSG.

Dr Trautmann served during her career in various scientific and industry committees and boards. She was also a Council Member of the SA Council for Natural Scientific Professions (SACNASP), and first female president of the SA Society for Enology and Viticulture (SASEV). In 2014 she was also awarded the SASEV prestigious Medal of Merit for her exceptional contribution over many years towards the industry and SASEV. Recently she was bestowed with the award as Honorary President of SASEV, the first female to be appointed in this position.

She was board member of Winetech (till end 2022), and is currently serving as member of the Hortgro Science Advisory Council, and the Hortforum. She also serves in the Governing Board of the US School of Climate Studies. She was also a Board Member of South African Academy for Science and Arts (2020 – 2023).