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  • SAMRC on passing of Professor Keolebogile Shirley Motaung
    On behalf of the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC), Professor Ntobeko Ntusi, President and CEO of the SAMRC, has expressed deep sadness on the untimely passing of Professor Keolebogile Shirley Motaung. The SAMRC sends its sincerest condolences
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  • South Africa manufactures first vaccine from end-to-end in over 50 years – Biovac and South African Medical Research Council begin trials of life-saving Oral Cholera Vaccine
    Johannesburg, South Africa, 11 November 2025: For the first time in more than half a century, a South African bio-pharmaceutical company is manufacturing a preventative vaccine candidate from beginning to end, for a clinical trial. Cape Town based Biovac has r
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  • SAMRC Unveils Continent’s First T7 Sequencer
    The South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) has launched Africa’s first DNBSEQ-T7 Sequencer, a powerful machine capable of sequence human and animal genomes faster and cheaper than ever before. The T7 Sequencer, developed by global biotech comp
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  • SAMRC Strengthens Genomic Research Capacity through New Partnership with MGI Tech
    The South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC), in partnership with the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) and MGI Tech Co., Limited, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to advance South Africa’s national genomics capabili
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  • Landmark G20 report led by Nobel Laureate Joseph Stiglitz sounds alarm on 'inequality emergency' and calls for International Panel on Inequality
    The 'Extraordinary Committee' of independent experts - appointed by President Ramaphosa - launches the G20's first-ever report on global inequality today The Committee above all urges the creation of a new 'International Panel on Inequality' to inform pol
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  • ASSAf Science-for-Society Gold Medals for Outstanding Achievement
    The Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf) annually awards the ASSAf Science-for-Society Gold Medals to recognise outstanding achievement in scientific thinking for the benefit of society. At the Annual Awards Ceremony held on 30 October 2025, the Gold Med
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  • SAMRC Welcomes the Approval of Lenacapavir as A Landmark in HIV Prevention
    The South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) welcomes the announcement by the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) that it has approved the registration of Lenacapavir, a groundbreaking antiviral medicine recommended, alongside saf
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About us

Who we are

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.

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Vision & Mission

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

Press Releases, News Articles & Request for Applications

Latest News

Keolebogile Shirley Motaung
SAMRC on passing of Professor Keolebogile Shirley Motaung
On behalf of the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC), Professor Ntobeko Ntusi, President and CEO of the SAMRC, has expr…
South Africa manufactures first vaccine from end-to-end in over 50 years – Biovac and South African Medical Research Council begin trials of life-saving Oral Cholera Vaccine
Johannesburg, South Africa, 11 November 2025: For the first time in more than half a century, a South African bio-pharmaceutical c…
SAMRC Unveils Continent’s First T7 Sequencer
The South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) has launched Africa’s first DNBSEQ-T7 Sequencer, a powerful machine capable of…

Request for Applications

Cancer
Closing date:
The South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) is pleased to announce a new Request for Applicat…
rfa
Closing date:
The South African Medical Research Council’s (SAMRC) Division of Research Capacity Development (RCD)…
RFA
Closing date:
The South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) in collaboration with the Technology Innovation A…
board
Closing date:
The South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) invites suitably qualified and experienced profes…
rfa
Closing date:
Biostatistics is an emerging and rapidly growing field in sub-Saharan Africa, driven by the increasi…
Closing date:
The SAMRC’s Self-initiated Research (SIR) Grants Programme is designed to support original research…
women
Closing date:
The South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC), in partnership with the Bill & Melinda Gates…
RFA
Closing date:
The South African Medical Research Council's Division of Research Capacity Development (RCD) invites…
Corporate Publications, Research Reports & Policy/Research Briefs

Latest Resource Materials

What we do?

SAMRC Project/Collaboration Websites

Event Calendar

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SAPRIN Population Science Webinar
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Showcasing 7 Years of SAMRC Innovation: Promising Sexual Violence Prevention and Mental Health Promotion Interventions for students in SA Post School Education Training
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What we offer

Our Services

Biostatistical Analysis

strengthens research projects credibility

Conference and Event Planning

offers seven upmarket conference facilities

Genomics Platform

whole genome sequencing

Health Geographic Information Systems

develop geographic information systems

Knowledge and Information Management Services

supports researchers in conducting research

Videos

A Rise in alcohol and drug use among young people, Dr Nancy Hornsby expands

A new G20 report on inequality reveals that 83% of countries, representing 90% of the global population, meet the World Bank's definition of high inequality. Health Systems Research Units Dr Wanga Zembe-Mkabile expands
Centre for Advanced Training and Innovative Research (CATIR) First Cohort - Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University