Page 14 - SAMRC AnnualReport 2025-26

STRATEGIC OVERVIEW

Our mandate

The mandate of the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC), under the
MRC Act 58 of 1991 (as amended), is to improve the health and quality of life of
South Africans. This needs to be realised through research, development, and
technology transfer.

Who we are

The SAMRC was established in 1969 and is dedicated to improving the health
of people in South Africa, through research, innovation, development, and
technology transfer. The scope of research includes laboratory investigations,
clinical research, and public health studies.

We conduct research on South Africa’s quadruple burden of disease: maternal,
newborn and child health, HIV/AIDS and TB, non-communicable diseases, and
interpersonal violence. Our work is to acquire evidence-based information to
inform health policy and practice and improve the quality and health status of
people in South Africa.

We are the largest local funder of health research, medical diagnostics, medical
devices, and therapeutics. We are pioneers in cutting-edge medical innovations,
focusing on genomic research, novel treatment regimens, vaccine development,
diagnostic tools, and the development of new drugs and devices.

Transformation remains a vital part of developing sustainable health research
capacity in South Africa. Through Self-Initiated Research (SIR) grants, the Mid-
Career Scientist programme, the Bongani Mayosi National Health Scholars
Programme, and other initiatives and platforms, the SAMRC will continue to
promote gender, racial, institutional, and geographic parity and enhance our
ability to thrive in the 21st century. As a guardian of health research, the SAMRC
is fostering a healthy nation through research and innovation.

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