Page 147 - SAMRC AnnualReport 2025-26

P E R FOR M A NC E I N FOR M A T I ON

Laboratory technologist and technician preparing for Real-Time PCR.

qualifications. By strengthening both academic and
technical expertise, PUDAC supports a research
culture grounded in ethical integrity, inclusivity, and
respect for both researchers and research subjects.

Overall, PUDAC's capacity development efforts
enhance scientific excellence while contributing
to the broader goal of promoting equitable and
dignified health research in South Africa and across
the continent.

AI in Medical and Health Research

PUDAC is actively working to integrate artificial
intelligence (AI) and data-driven technologies into its
long-term strategy to improve biomedical research,
innovation, and evidence-based decision-making. PUDAC staff at the 2025 International Society
While a formal framework is still being developed, for Vaccines annual congress.
the facility is laying essential groundwork to support
scalable and responsible AI adoption. A key milestone
is the acquisition of advanced imaging technologies, digital data management systems, standardising
such as the Vevo F2 system, which produces high- data collection, and improving data quality. These
resolution datasets suitable for machine learning steps are essential for enabling advanced AI
analysis. These capabilities enable automated applications such as predictive modelling, pattern
quantification of biological processes, including recognition, and increasing the reproducibility of
tissue morphology, functional assessments, and preclinical studies. Looking forward, PUDAC intends
early disease detection. To build internal expertise, to implement AI-driven platforms for real-time
targeted training of senior animal technologists is monitoring of animal health and welfare, optimise
underway, equipping staff to interpret complex data facility operations through predictive maintenance,
and incorporate AI insights into research workflows. and enhance research efficiency. The facility remains
dedicated to aligning technological progress with
As PUDAC expands its research portfolio-covering ethical principles, ensuring responsible, transparent,
SHIV/SIV challenge models and diet-induced and equitable health research. Collectively, these
non-communicable disease (NCD) models-the initiatives position PUDAC to become a data-centric
importance of a robust data infrastructure has research platform capable of harnessing AI to
become evident. Current efforts focus on enhancing promote scientific excellence and innovation.

SA M R C A N N U A L R EP O R T 2 0 2 5 / 2 0 2 6 145