Page 108 - SAMRC AnnualReport 2025-26

PhD students to engage in research projects, data management of patients admitted to a tertiary-
analysis, and scientific publication. Early-career level hospital in South Africa.
scientists are mentored in grant writing, research
methodology, and scientific communication to The unit is also building digital dashboards and
support independent research careers. The unit real-time data platforms to support research
also provides structured training for research monitoring, data visualisation, and rapid translation
nurses, fieldworkers, laboratory personnel, and data of findings for researchers and policymakers.
management staff to strengthen technical capacity Internal capacity in data science, bioinformatics,
and ensure high standards of research conduct. and digital health is being strengthened through
training and collaboration.
VIDA prioritises transformation and the
development of African research leadership Together, these initiatives position VIDA to leverage
through mentorship programmes, support for AI and data-driven technologies to enhance
academic advancement, and efforts to increase research innovation and inform public health
representation and leadership opportunities for decision-making.
historically underrepresented groups in research.

At community level, VIDA works closely with
community advisory structures and local
stakeholders to promote ethical engagement and
mutual understanding between researchers and
communities. Community engagement activities
support informed participation in research and
ensure that community perspectives inform study
design and implementation. Feedback of research
findings further promotes transparency and trust.
VIDA Clinic.
Through these initiatives, VIDA contributes to
strengthening local research capacity, empowering
staff and communities, and promoting equitable
and ethical health research that supports improved
health outcomes.
AI in Medical and Health Research

VIDA is increasingly incorporating artificial
intelligence (AI) and data-driven technologies to
strengthen health research, enhance data analysis,
and support evidence-based decision-making.
Given the large volumes of clinical, laboratory, and
surveillance data generated across its platforms, the VIDA Pharmacy.
unit is exploring advanced analytical approaches to
improve efficiency and generate deeper insights.

A key initiative is a Gates Foundation–funded multisite
project (CODA) that applies large language models
to improve cause-of-death determination using
data from the Child Health and Mortality Prevention
Surveillance (CHAMPS) programme. This platform
aims to enhance the accuracy of death coding in low-
and middle-income countries and improve the timely
flow of data to public health authorities.

In addition, VIDA is developing a multimodal
representative dataset capturing clinical disease VIDA lab.
profiles, investigations, hospital course, and

106 SA M R C A N N U A L R EP O R T 2 0 2 5 / 2 0 2 6