Page 50 - SAMRC Annual Performance Plan 2026-27

PART B: SAMRC STRATEGIC FOCUS
continued

Table 13: SAMRC Platform and Specialist scientific services purpose

PLATFORM AND SPECIALIST SCIENTIFIC SERVICES
Unit Strategic Focus

Biomedical Research and The Biomedical Research and Innovation Platform (BRIP) is the leading biomedical
Innovation Platform (BRIP) innovation platform with state-of- the-art equipment and more than 20 years
of experience in the field of histology, image analysis, immunocytochemistry,
molecular biology and tissue/cell culture systems.
BRIP has been leading research into medical innovations for the screening,
prevention and treatment of diabetes, cardiovascular disease and obesity. BRIP’s
capacity development programme trains the next generation of scientists in the field
of Biotechnology with an emphasis on young black scientists from historically under
resourced institutions.
Primate Unit and Delft Animal PUDAC is a research support platform that provides the infrastructure to conduct
Centre (PUDAC) pre-clinical research; scientific and technological research support; the capacity to
maintain and utilise animal models (nonhuman primates, horses and rodents) and
biomedical research (collaborative and contract).
The platform also contributes to research by generating new in-house research
to define and validate animal models; laboratory animal science and technology;
providing skilled laboratory scientific and technological support.
Genomics Platform It was established in 2019 in partnership with the Beijing Genomics Institute. The
goal and vision for the SAMRC Genomics Platform is to grow South Africa’s capacity
for whole human genome sequencing and engage in an Afrocentric approach to
reducing South Africa’s burden of disease. The Platform has now been recognized as a
Platform and conducts an in-house and collaborative genomics research programme
and offers whole genome, exome and transcriptome sequencing services.
Office of AIDS & TB Research The Office of AIDS &TB funds and co-ordinates research in HIV/TB with the aim of
optimising research funding in these areas, including the TB Report Consortium as
well as focusing on sustainable funding models.

Office of Malaria Research The Office of Malaria Research, funds and facilitates research to understand the
Group social and biological impact of the disease as well as to develop malaria control
programmes.

48 SAMRC ANNUAL PERFORMANCE PLAN 2026/27