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  • Childhood Obesity Linked to Early Onset of Serious Health Conditions, New Study Finds
    A new study conducted by researchers from the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) and Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital (IALCH) in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal has revealed that a growing number of young South African children are developing serious h
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  • Call for Nominations for Members of the Board of the South African Medical Research Council
    The South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) is established in terms of the South African Medical Research Council Act, 1991 (Act No. 58 of 1991) (hereafter referred to as the Act). SAMRC is a Schedule 3A public entity reporting to the Ministry of Health
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  • SAMRC contributes to enrolment completion in the Gates MRI TBV02-301 TB Prevention study
    The Gates MRI announced that the M72 Phase 3 trial enrolment target of approximately 20000 participants has been reached eleven months ahead of schedule. This marks a significant milestone in the pursuit of a safe and efficacious TB vaccine that may potenti
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  • SAMRC Experts Take the Global Stage at Prestigious Streptococcal Diseases Conference
    The South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) continues to cement its position as a global leader in health research, with internationally recognised experts delivering insights on the world stage. At the 22nd Lancefield International Symposium on Strepto
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  • Sugary drinks, processed foods, alcohol and tobacco are big killers: why the G20 should add its weight to health taxes
    By 2030, non-communicable diseases will account for 75% of all deaths annually. Eighty percent of these will be in the global south. Most of these diseases are what we call silent killers: type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease, as well as cert
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  • SAMRC researchers ranked among the world’s top researchers
    South Africa has yet another reason to celebrate, as one of its own, Professor Rachel Jewkes, an executive scientist at the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC), has been ranked among the world’s top researchers in social sciences and humanities. S
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  • Round Table on TB and HIV Trials & Research Infrastructure At-Risk in South Africa
    Treatment Action Group (TAG), Médecins Sans Frontières Southern Africa (MSF), and the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) hosted a round table discussion for donors and media to share information about tuberculosis (TB) and HIV trials and research
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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

COVID-19 patients suffered mental and cognitive health issues; study found
In a study funded by the SAMRC, researchers have found that more than half of South Africans infected with COVID-19 experienced la…
Childhood Obesity Linked to Early Onset of Serious Health Conditions, New Study Finds
A new study conducted by researchers from the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) and Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hos…
Global Call to Action: South Africa and WHO join forces to host the 16th World Conference on Injury Prevention and Safety Promotion (Safety 2026) in Cape Town
Cape Town, South Africa – The Foundation for Professional Development (FPD) has been selected as the host organiser for this histo…

Request for Applications

rfa
Closing date:
There is a national need to develop a cadre of clinician-scientists in South Africa; these are indiv…
postgraduate
Closing date:
The purpose of this Request for Applications (RFA) is to attract PhD and Masters candidates within t…
RFA
Closing date:
PhD research funding for clinical or health researchers This funding instrument supports individual…
Health Systems
Together with the Australian National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC), the South African…
EMU
Closing date:
This RFA is an open call for researchers engaged in health research from all recognised South Africa…
Scientists
Closing date:
The Human Frontier Science Program Organization (HFSPO), in collaboration with its South African mem…
Corporate Publications, Research Reports & Policy/Research Briefs

Latest Resource Materials

What we do?

SAMRC Project/Collaboration Websites

Event Calendar

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Annual SAPRIN Conference 2025
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Webinar: Enhancing Health System Resilience in Africa: Integrating Health and Sexual & Reproductive Health and Rights Considerations in Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation
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SA AIDS 2025 conference
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Biomedical Research & Innovation Platform (BRIP) Conference 2025
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Introduction to Biostatistics Short Course
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SA Mental Health Conference 2025
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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

Dr Ansia van Coller joins Channel Africa for the youth month campaign to talk about her work and impact at SAMRC

Nangipha Mnandi speaks with eNCA as part of the SAMRC's Youth Month profile of young scientists to inspire the next generation

At the wake of increased femicide in South Africa and in relation to the death of Olorato Mongale, Prof Naeemah Abrahams weighs in on the research that has been done