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 Invests in the Future of Health by Establishing Seven New Research Units to Drive Innovation and Save Lives

The South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) is making a bold and strategic investment in the future of health in South Africa with the launch of seven new Extramural Research Units (EMUs), effective 1 April 2026, bringing the total of EMUs to 30. Th

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SAMRC Celebrates Excellence in Health Research at 12th Scientific Merit Awards

The South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) honoured two of its former leaders, Prof Glenda Gray and Prof Johnny Mahlangu, at the 12th SAMRC Scientific Merit Awards, recognising their enduring contributions to health research and institutional leadershi

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SAMRC strengthens African drug discovery and supports women-led research leadership

Through the South African Medical Research Council’s Grand Challenges South Africa programme, supported by baseline funding allocated from the National Department of Health - South Africa, the SAMRC has committed R6 million to support two early-stage drug di

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New SAMRC and Clean Air Fund Project Report Launched to Provide an Evidence-Policy-Action Pathway for South Africa’s Air Pollution Priority Areas

A new research and policy initiative aimed at providing a pathway to reducing the severe health impacts of air pollution in South Africa’s most affected regions has been officially launched by the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC), with support

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Africa moves closer to an HIV Vaccine as first-in-human BRILLIANT 011 Clinical Trial launches in Cape Town

South Africa has taken a historic step toward contributing to the development of an HIV vaccine, aimed at HIV vaccine strains circulating in Southern Africa, with the launch of the BRILLIANT 011 first-in-human clinical trial at the Desmond Tutu HIV Foundation

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South African Medical Research Council highlights health risks following floods in Mpumalanga and Limpopo

The South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) notes with concern the significant health risks associated with the recent flooding experienced across parts of Mpumalanga and Limpopo recently. Professor Caradee Y. Wright, Chief Specialist Scientist withi

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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

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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