the medical research council

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The SAMRC was established in 1969 and is dedicated to improving the health of people in South Africa, through research, innovation, development, and technology transfer. The scope of research includes laboratory investigations, clinical research, and public health studies.

We conduct research on South Africa’s quadruple burden of disease: maternal, newborn and child health, HIV/AIDS and TB, non-communicable diseases, and interpersonal violence. Our work is to acquire evidence-based information to inform health policy and practice and improve the quality and health status of people in South Africa.

We are the largest local funder of health research, medical diagnostics, medical devices, and therapeutics. We are pioneers in cutting edge medical innovations focusing on genomic research, the development of novel treatment regimens, vaccine development, diagnostic tools, and developing new drugs and devices.

Transformation remains an integral part of building sustainable health research capacity in South Africa. Through Self-Initiated Research (SIR) grants, the Mid-Career Scientist programme, the Bongani Mayosi National Health Scholars Programme, and other programmes and platforms, the SAMRC will continue to address gender, racial, institutional, and geographic parity, and strengthen our capacity to flourish in the 21st century. As a custodian of health research, the SAMRC is building a healthy nation through research and innovation.

Building a healthy nation through research, innovation and transformation

To advance the nation’s health and quality of life and address inequity by conducting and funding relevant and responsive health research, capacity development, innovation and research translation

• Citizenship

We push the boundaries between the known and the unknown to further our knowledge of human health within the prescripts of responsible (ethical) conduct of research.

We celebrate the capacity of collective minds towards a common goal. We build partnerships with many stakeholders at local, national, regional and international levels to exchange ideas, advances shared goals, optimize use of resources to minimise duplication, and leverage funding.

We strive for distinction in everything we do by developing highly skilled personnel, capacity building and transformation, and conducting research of high value.

We value and respect our communities, participants, researchers and funders.

We commit to transparency, accountability, open communication and ethical conduct.

We demonstrate responsibility to the community, nation and the world.

A Vibrant Organisation making impact in Africa and beyond

SAMRC focuses on conducting and funding health research, innovation, capacity development and research translation. Through the internal and external research units, several collaborating centres, strategic projects and initiatives, including recipients of Self-Initiated Research grants, SAMRC researchers are conducting research to respond to the burden of disease in South Africa and sub-Saharan Africa.

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