Strategic Research Initiatives (SRI) is geared towards finding solutions for current and future health problems by creating and implementing innovative research models around partnerships which link researchers from different organizations and across research disciplines and sectors, both locally and internationally.

Vision
The South African Medical Research Council (MRC) recognized as a world class health research organization.

Mission statement
To sustain and grow the organization through strategic research initiatives. This will be achieved by continuously identifying success areas and proposing innovative research projects that lead to sustainable health solutions/models through a cadre of dedicated and multi-skilled personnel using appropriate technologies and know-how. These activities will be underpinned by the MRC’s value systems, in particular, innovation, sustainability, capacity development, collaborative research, excellence, going beyond the expectations of customers and performing our functions in a cost-effective and efficient manner.