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  • Africa moves closer to an HIV Vaccine as first-in-human BRILLIANT 011 Clinical Trial launches in Cape Town
    South Africa has taken a historic step toward contributing to the development of an HIV vaccine, aimed at HIV vaccine strains circulating in Southern Africa, with the launch of the BRILLIANT 011 first-in-human clinical trial at the Desmond Tutu HIV Foundation
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  • South African Medical Research Council highlights health risks following floods in Mpumalanga and Limpopo
    The South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) notes with concern the significant health risks associated with the recent flooding experienced across parts of Mpumalanga and Limpopo recently. Professor Caradee Y. Wright, Chief Specialist Scientist withi
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  • SAMRC Welcomes FDA Approval of First-in-Class Oral Antibiotic for Gonorrhoea, Highlights South Africa’s Contribution to Global Breakthrough
    The South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) has welcomed the announcement by the Global Antibiotic Research & Development Partnership (GARDP) that the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved NUZOLVENCE® (zoliflodacin), a first
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  • SAMRC warns South Africans to stay safe from the heat this festive season
    As South Africans head into the festive season and probably spending more time outdoors in the sun, the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) warns the public to take precautions against heat-related illnesses during the festive season, especially vul
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  • SAMRC and UCT leads landmark study to curb alcohol harm in SA
    The South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) and the University of Cape Town (UCT) have launched a landmark multidisciplinary research initiative to investigate the political, economic and social drivers of harmful alcohol use in South Africa and Botswan
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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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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

South African Medical Research Council highlights health risks following floods in Mpumalanga and Limpopo
The South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) notes with concern the significant health risks associated with the recent floo…
SAMRC Welcomes FDA Approval of First-in-Class Oral Antibiotic for Gonorrhoea, Highlights South Africa’s Contribution to Global Breakthrough
The South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) has welcomed the announcement by the Global Antibiotic Research & Developme…
SAMRC warns South Africans to stay safe from the heat this festive season
As South Africans head into the festive season and probably spending more time outdoors in the sun, the South African Medical Rese…

Request for Applications

Health Funding
Closing date:
Recognizing the catastrophic impact of USA funding cuts on the South African Health Research Enterpr…
RFA
Closing date:
The European Partnership for Personalised Medicine, EP PerMed (supported by the European Union under…
RFA
Closing date:
The South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) is pleased to announce the launch of the 1st Join…
rfa
The European Partnership for Personalised Medicine, EP PerMed, supported by the European Union under…
Corporate Publications, Research Reports & Policy/Research Briefs

Latest Resource Materials

What we do?

SAMRC Project/Collaboration Websites

Event Calendar

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Introduction to Longitudinal Data Analysis Short Course
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4th PACRI International Annual Meeting
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9th SA TB Conference 2026
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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

The Year Global Funding Fell: A 2025 Reflection with SAMRC BOSS

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