Page 140 - SAMRC Annual Report 2024-2025

BIOMEDICAL
RESEARCH
PROGRAMME 6
RESEARCH

PURPOSE OF THE PROGRAMME PROGRAMME STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES

To conduct basic research, applied research • To generate scientific knowledge in the field of
and transactional research to determine biomedical science, which will provide insights
predisposition to disease. This understanding into various diseases of national priority. This
is important for planning effective intervention in turn will lead to novel diagnostic, preventive
and disease control. and therapeutic strategies.
• To undertake original research of high quality,
which will provide novel insights into acute
UNITS THAT CONSTITUTE THIS PROGRAMME and chronic inflammatory diseases of national
priority, thus leading to novel diagnostic,
1. Antiviral Gene Therapy Research Unit (ERU) preventive and therapeutic strategies.
2. Cardiometabolic Health Research Unit (ERU) • To train and mentor high-quality postgraduate
students who are able to compete in the
3. Genomics of Brain Disorders Research science, health and/or education sectors
Unit (ERU) locally and abroad.
4. Platform for Pharmacogenomics Research • To strengthen biomedical research through
and Translation Research Unit (ERU) a policy of enabling researchers from other
5. Precision and Genomic Medicine Research academic institutions to have access to
Unit (ERU) sophisticated laboratory equipment and
supervision. In addition, to provide assistance
6. Precision Oncology Research Unit (ERU)
to national research funding agencies with
7. Stem Cell Research and Therapy Research respect to evaluating applications for research
Unit (ERU) funding.
8. Wound and Keloid Scarring Translational • To translate research data into policy and
Research Unit (ERU) practice regarding prevention, diagnosis,
treatment and management of diseases.

• To develop and test biomedical innovations
that will address various conditions.
• To develop health-care management systems
and plan a ‘gene therapy’ intervention
programme for retinal degenerative diseases

138 SAMRC ANNUAL REPOR T 2024-25