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.
SAMRC and Ospedale San Raffaele Launch Phase I Trial of Long-Acting HIV Prevention Antibody

Phase I adult study will assess the safety and pharmacokinetics of long-acting prevention antibody (ePGT121v1-LS) to support future studies aimed at preventing HIV transmission in children The South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC), in partnership w

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SAMRC Vice-President appointed as Nelson Mandela University Medical School's first Honorary Professor

Nelson Mandela University is honoured to announce the appointment of Professor Liesl Zühlke as the Honorary Professor linked to the medical school. Prof Zühlke, a paediatric cardiologist, is the Vice-President: Extramural Research and Internal Portfolio at t

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SAMRC and DFFE Join Forces to Strengthen Air Pollution Research and Protect Public Health

The South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) and the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that will strengthen collaboration between environmental and health experts to better unders

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Africa's leadership is growing in genomics surveillance and epidemic preparedness

The South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) recently hosted Professor Tulio de Oliveira, Director of the Centre for Epidemic Response and Innovation (CERI) at Stellenbosch University, for a President and CEO Lecture titled "Accelerating genomics-based s

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SAMRC President and CEO Lecture Calls for Urgent Action to Tackle South Africa’s Diabetes Crisis

South Africa is facing a growing diabetes crisis that demands urgent, coordinated action from government, researchers, healthcare providers, civil society and communities, according to Dr Patrick Ngassa Piotie, Chairperson of the Diabetes Alliance and Co-found

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SAMRC mourns the passing of Prof Tandi Matsha-Erasmus

The South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) mourns the passing of Professor Tandi Matsha-Erasmus, Vice-Chancellor and Principal of Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) and Director of the SAMRC Extramural Cardiometabolic Research Unit. Her p

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Professor Liesl Zühlke selected as 2026 L’Oréal‑UNESCO For Women in Science International Award Laureate

The South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) and the University of Cape Town (UCT) are proud to announce that Prof Liesl Zühlke has been selected as the 2026 L’Oréal‑UNESCO for Women in Science International Award Laureate for Africa and the Arab S

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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