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.
Prof Jill Hanass-Hancock Honoured with 2025 SA Women in Science Award

Prof Jill Hanass-Hancock, Chief Specialist Scientist at the South African Medical Research Council’s (SAMRC) Gender and Health Research Unit, has been named the 2025 South African Women in Science Awards (SAWiSA) Distinguished Woman Researcher in Human and S

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B1 Rating Recognition for Prof Caradee Wright’s Leadership in Climate and Human Health

Chief Specialist Scientist at the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) Professor Caradee Yael Wright has advanced from C2 to a B1 National Research Foundation (NRF) rated scientist. This new rating places her among researchers who enjoy considerab

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South Africa and Global Partners Mobilise Millions to Sustain Health Research Capacity

In a bold and strategic move to ensure the resilience of the South African National Health Research Enterprise, the South African government has announced a significant funding injection of R400 million over the next three years. This investment will be augmen

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Thermo Fisher Scientific, South African Medical Research Council and Department of Science Innovation and Technology Announce New Training Facility to Develop Next Generation of South African Scientists

The Centre for Advanced Training and Innovative Research (CATIR) in Pretoria will offer training in advanced molecular science and laboratory management, enhancing essential scientific skills in-country Pretoria, South Africa (July 16, 2025) - Thermo Fisher

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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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Nominations for SAMRC Scientific Merit Awards are now open!

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