Home 1

  • 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
    Read more
  • 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
    Read more
  • 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
    Read more
  • 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
    Read more
  • 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
    Read more
  • SAMRC Unveils Continent’s First T7 Sequencer
    The South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) has launched Africa’s first DNBSEQ-T7 Sequencer, a powerful machine capable of sequence human and animal genomes faster and cheaper than ever before. The T7 Sequencer, developed by global biotech comp
    Read more
  • SAMRC Strengthens Genomic Research Capacity through New Partnership with MGI Tech
    The South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC), in partnership with the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) and MGI Tech Co., Limited, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to advance South Africa’s national genomics capabili
    Read more
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.

Read more

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

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…
Prof Dan Stein
Statement by Professor Liesl Zühlke, Vice President: Extramural Research and Internal Portfolio, SAMRC on the passing of Professor Dan Stein
It is with deep sadness that the SAMRC acknowledges the passing of Professor Dan Stein, an esteemed scientist, colleague, and lead…
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 multidisciplinar…

Request for Applications

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…
Cancer
Closing date:
The South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) is pleased to announce a new Request for Applicat…
rfa
Closing date:
The South African Medical Research Council’s (SAMRC) Division of Research Capacity Development (RCD)…
board
Closing date:
The South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) invites suitably qualified and experienced profes…
rfa
Closing date:
Biostatistics is an emerging and rapidly growing field in sub-Saharan Africa, driven by the increasi…
rfa
The European Partnership for Personalised Medicine, EP PerMed, supported by the European Union under…
Health Systems
Together with the Australian National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC), the South African…
Corporate Publications, Research Reports & Policy/Research Briefs

Latest Resource Materials

What we do?

SAMRC Project/Collaboration Websites

Event Calendar

-
9th SA TB Conference 2026
read more
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

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
Centre for Advanced Training and Innovative Research (CATIR) First Cohort - Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University