Page 7 - Annual Report - Summative Report 2024-2025

potential. As the world continues to grapple with evolving on what the enablers are for implementing proposed
threats, the report underscores the urgency of building a 2025 priorities. The report highlights three key areas
robust and equitable R&D ecosystem. for action in 2025 that would ensure the world is better
prepared for future outbreaks, namely, reinvigorate the
The launch event provided an opportunity to bring to therapeutics pipeline with a focus on early-stage R&D,
the fore African efforts in pandemic preparedness and collaborate with partners in the diagnostics ecosystem
showcase examples of regional leadership across all to enhance coordination and implement the 100DM
aspects of the 100 Days Mission as South Africa takes on roadmap, and sustain clinical trial infrastructure and
the G20 presidency. IPPS officials shared key findings of strengthen preparatory regulatory approaches. The
the implementation report and areas for action in 2025 SAMRC will continue to make key contributions in each
and convened partners from all sectors for discussions of these areas as it implements its new strategic plan.

ORGANISATIONAL HIGHLIGHTS AND ACHIEVEMENTS

• The total number of funded beneficiaries (career • The number of awards by the SAMRC to MSc, PhD,
awards/grants and scholarships), including new intake postdocs and early career Scientists from historically
for the 2024/25 reporting period, exceeded the annual disadvantaged institutions (HDIs), reflected an increase
target of 130 by 69 which is 52.3% to the total of 199. from 52 awards in 2021/22, 60 in 2022/23, 68 in 2023/24,
• SAMRC prides itself again for its 10th clean audit by to 71 awards in 2024/25 with the annual target of 83.
the SA Auditor General. • Revenue for the year showed an increase of 4.6% to
• Through our Research Capacity Development R1 408 845 (R1 347 255).
programmes, SAMRC for the number of awards to • During the reporting period, SAMRC partnered with
female MSc, PhD, postdoctoral fellows and early career the ETDP SETA to host interns as part of its formal
scientists, 137 awards were made against a target of Internship Programmes, offering unemployed South
108, which is 26.9% above the target. African graduates practical work experience to
enhance employability and address future capacity
needs.

RESEARCH CAPACITY DEVELOPMENT

The overarching objective of the SAMRC’s Division of graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, as well as early
Research Capacity Development (RCD) is to enhance and mid-career scientists at South African universities.
the long-term sustainability of health research in South With most of these awards aimed at individuals
Africa by providing funding for the next generation from historically disadvantaged backgrounds, the
of health researchers. The division supports health division’s activities are also contributing substantially to
research capacity development by offering scholarships, transformation in health research.
fellowships and research grants/career awards to post-

SUMMA
TIVE REPOR
SAMRC SUMMATIVE REPOR T 2025-26T 2025-26 7
SAMRC