Page 124 - SAMRC Annual Report 2023-24

BIOMEDICAL

RESEARCH RESEARCH PROGRAMME 6

PURPOSE OF THE PROGRAMME

To conduct basic research, applied research and transactional research to determine
predisposition to disease. This understanding is important for planning effective intervention
and disease control.

UNITS THAT CONSTITUTE THIS PROGRAMME

1 Antiviral Gene Therapy Research Unit (ERU) 6 Precision and Genomic Medicine Research Unit (ERU)

2 Bioinformatics Capacity Development 7 Precision Oncology Research Unit (ERU)
Research Unit (ERU)
3 Cardiometabolic Health Research Unit (ERU) 8 Stem Cell Research and Therapy Research Unit (ERU)

4 Genomics of Brain Disorders Research Unit (ERU) 9 Wound and Keloid Scarring Translational Research
Unit (ERU)
5 Platform for Pharmacogenomics Research and
Translation Research Unit (ERU)

PROGRAMME STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES

• To generate scientific knowledge in the field of • To translate research data into policy and practice
biomedical science, which will provide insights into regarding prevention, diagnosis, treatment and
various diseases of national priority. This in turn will management of diseases.
lead to novel diagnostic, preventive and therapeutic • To develop and test biomedical innovations that will
strategies. address various conditions.
• To undertake original research of high quality, which • To develop health-care management systems and plan
will provide novel insights into acute and chronic a ‘gene therapy’ intervention programme for retinal
inflammatory diseases of national priority, thus leading degenerative diseases.
to novel diagnostic, preventive and therapeutic
strategies.
• To train and mentor high-quality postgraduate students
who are able to compete in the science, health and/or
education sectors locally and abroad.
• To strengthen biomedical research through a policy of
enabling researchers from other academic institutions
to have access to sophisticated laboratory equipment
and supervision. In addition, to provide assistance to
national research funding agencies with respect to
evaluating applications for research funding.

122 SAMRC ANNUAL REPOR T 2023-24