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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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  • South Africa Calls for Strengthen Collaborations and Renewed Action at the 9th South African TB Conference
    South Africa has made important progress in the fight against tuberculosis (TB), but the country is not yet winning the battle. TB remains one of the leading causes of death in South Africa, although there have been significant improvements in diagnosis, treat
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  • Celebrating Over Four Decades of Impact: SAMRC Investment Powers Life-Course Health Research
    The South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC), together with partners from the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) and international collaborators, recently hosted a celebratory event at Wits Medical School to honour the remarkable impact and enduring
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  • Marking 28 years of impact, the 2026 L’Oréal–UNESCO For Women in Science International Awards honor five pioneering researchers
    UNESCO and The Fondation L’Oréal are proud to announce the names of the five international Laureates of the 2026 L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science International Awards. On 11 June at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, these researchers will be
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  • SAMRC Strengthening Health Systems with a $400, 000.00 funding boost
    The SAMRC is injecting $400, 000.00 into South African health and medical research funding to address strategies for supporting health systems to improve equitable health outcomes globally. “This investment reflects a deliberate shift toward implementatio
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  • SAMRC contributes to WHO guidelines on the treatment of opioid dependence and the community management of opioid overdose
    The World Health Organization (WHO) has announced updated recommendations for its forthcoming guidelines on the treatment of opioid dependence and the community management of opioid overdose, responding to the substantial global burden of opioid-related morbid
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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

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 Züh…
South Africa Calls for Strengthen Collaborations and Renewed Action at the 9th South African TB Conference
South Africa has made important progress in the fight against tuberculosis (TB), but the country is not yet winning the battle. TB…
World IP Day
Celebrating SAMRC’s 2026 World IP Day: Innovation in Motion
Innovation in sport today extends far beyond the stadium, field, or training ground. Increasingly, it is shaped by the convergence…

Request for Applications

RFA
Closing date:
This funding instrument is intended to support individuals employed at public academic institutions,…
diagnostics
Closing date:
The South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC), through its Grand Challenges South Africa progra…
rfa
Closing date:
The aim of the BM-NHSP is to contribute positively towards efforts to strengthen and accelerate prog…
Corporate Publications, Research Reports & Policy/Research Briefs

Latest Resource Materials

What we do?

SAMRC Project/Collaboration Websites

Event Calendar

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WHO-FIC Community of Practice (COP) Webinar
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SAPRIN Population Science Webinar
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World Safety Conference 2026
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SAMRC RCD Regional Grant Holders Conference
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16th Biomedical Research & Innovation Platform Conference
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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

2026 L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science International Award - Live streaming

9th edition of the South African TB Conference gets underway
The three-legged silver pot commonly used to cook potjiekos and other favourites may pose serious health risks, including kidney damage due to possible lead exposure. Prof Angela Mathee explains why