South African Medical Research Council

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The South African Medical Research Council recognises the catastrophic and persisting consequences of colonialism and apartheid, including land dispossession and the intentional imposition of educational and health inequities.

Acknowledging the SAMRC’s historical role in, and silence on, health and research inequalities during apartheid, the organisation commits its capacities and resources to continued promotion of equity and dignity in health and health care.
Inside the SAMRC’s race to rescue health research in SA

Health research in South Africa has been plunged into crisis with the abrupt termination of several large research grants from the US, with more grant terminations expected in the coming days and weeks. Professor Ntobeko Ntusi, head of the South African Medica

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Research Brief for the Alcohol Diagnostic Validation for Injury-Related Trauma (AVIRT) Study – A catalyst for improving health practice and policy in South Africa

On 18 March 2025, the South African Medical Research Council’s Burden of Disease Research Unit (BODRU) and Mental Health, Alcohol, Substance Use and Tobacco Research Unit (MAST-RU) hosted a briefing on the Alcohol Diagnostic Validation for Injury-Related Tra

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World TB Day 2025: Strengthening Collaboration in Tuberculosis Research

Tuberculosis (TB) remains the leading infectious disease killer worldwide, with an estimated 1.5 million deaths and 10.6 million new cases each year (World Health Organization [WHO], 2024), despite being both preventable and curable.  South Africa is p

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National Cause of Death Validation Reveals HIV/AIDS Still a Leading Cause of Death in South Africa

A large nationwide study led by the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) has assessed the accuracy of cause-of-death data collected through South Africa's Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (CRVS) system. The study compared official death record

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Africa’s HIV vaccine research at a crossroads

The BRILLIANT Consortium (BRinging Innovation to cLinical and Laboratory research to end HIV In Africa through New vaccine Technology) confirms the termination of funding by the USAID which directly impacts the pioneering initiative dedicated to advancing HIV

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SAMRC Scientific Merit Awards 2025 – honouring excellence in Health Research

The South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) held its 11th scientific merit awards to honour some of the best scientific minds in Health Research. Former Director-General at the Department of Health Adjunct Professor Precious Matsoso was awarded the P

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Unpacking a Legacy: New History Book Traces the Journey of the SAMRC from Inception to COVID-19

The South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) has launched a book illustrating its 55-year history of medico-scientific innovation, achievements and breakthroughs. Authored by Howard Phillips, an emeritus professor of history at the University of Cap

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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.

Vision

Building a healthy nation through research, innovation and transformation

Mission

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