Page 159 - SAMRC Annual Report 2023-24

PERFORMANCE INFORMATION

Science for creating a healthier society In celebration of 30 years
SAPRIN actively engaged in various community of democracy in South Africa
initiatives and educational programmes to promote As South Africa commemorates 30 years of
science and community involvement. As part of democracy, SAPRIN's message and commitment
the SAMRC GenS job-shadow school programme, resonates with the nation's pursuit of inclusivity,
SAPRIN hosted learners from low-income areas, equity, and progress. Embracing the spirit of
providing them with the opportunity to interact democracy, SAPRIN emphasises the importance
with scientists and gain a deeper understanding of of collaboration, partnership, and ethical research
population science. practices in advancing and reimaging the health
and well-being of all South African communities.
In another outreach effort, a group of science SAPRIN's vision extends beyond the present,
students from the University of Limpopo visited the envisioning a future where every community's voice
SAMRC to explore diverse career paths in science. is heard, where health disparities are addressed, and
During this visit, the Deputy Director delivered where inclusivity and equity are the cornerstones of
an inspiring talk on public health, epidemiology, our society.
and population science, aiming to motivate and
educate the students about the possibilities within SAPRIN is dedicated to building a robust and
responsive research infrastructure, symbolising our
these fields.
commitment to promoting evidence-based decision-
At the GRT-INSPIRED node, a successful solar making and policy formulation. Through strategic
project was piloted in Melusi, Pretoria where partnerships with local communities, researchers,
informal dwellings were equipped with solar panels and policymakers, we co-create science that is not
to enhance their access to power. This initiative was only impactful and relevant but also sustainable for
well-received by the community, showcasing the generations to come.
positive impact of sustainable energy solutions. Recognising the transformative power of

interdisciplinary research, SAPRIN embraces
Additionally, in the C-SHARP node, the Deputy
Director engaged with community faith-based collaboration across diverse fields to address
leaders in Nomzamo, participating in a community complex health challenges and societal issues. By
integrating perspectives from various disciplines, we
dialogue to promote research activities and foster enrich our understanding of health dynamics and
collaboration within the community.
social determinants and seek to foster innovative
Furthermore, SAPRIN actively participated in the solutions that transcend traditional boundaries.
Science Forum of South Africa (2023), focusing Our unwavering commitment to these principles
on the theme of citizen science. The discussion propels us towards a future where every person
emphasised the importance of involving living in South Africa enjoys improved health and
communities in research processes, from design to well-being, underpinned by decolonial practices
execution and dissemination, highlighting the value and interdisciplinary approaches that challenge
of community engagement in advancing scientific historical inequities and drives meaningful change.
endeavours and ensuring research relevance and As we mark this significant milestone in our nation's
impact. This was done in collaboration with the HIV history, SAPRIN remains resolute in our mission
and other Infectious Diseases Research Unit (HIDRU), to harness the transformative power of scientific
demonstrating our commitment to collaboration research to drive positive change, foster social
between SAMRC units. justice, and empower our communities.

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