Page 180 - SAMRC AnnualReport 2025-26

The CSSFF-SAMRC programme includes
scholarships for master's and doctoral degrees. The
students were selected through two open RFAs and
are funded to complete their studies on vaccine-
related topics, with the aim of developing future
vaccinology researchers. The scholars attended
the 17th Early Career Scientist Convention hosted
by SAMRC and presented at several international
conferences, including the World Conference on
Lung Health, World Society for Virology, and others.
They received four presentation awards and a travel
award.

In 2024, four candidates received scholarships to
pursue an MSc in Pharmacy Administration and
Policy Regulation at UWC. This two-year course
includes theoretical modules and a dissertation. It
equips regulators and pharmaceutical regulatory
staff to lead drug development, licensing, and
pharmacovigilance. The candidates are in their final
year and will submit dissertations in 2026.

Finally, the programme offers scholarships for
medical students at Nelson Mandela University to
complete their training. The first group of 6 medical
students was funded starting in 2023, and a second
group of 11 students was awarded support from
2024 and will be helped throughout their studies.
The first graduation from this programme is
expected in 2026/27.

The CSSFF-SAMRC capacity development
programme trains the next generation of vaccine
professionals, researchers, and experts, building
capacity and a network to foster vaccine R&D and
innovation. Most awardees are graduates from
HDIs, contributing to transformation in health,
science, and related fields.

CSSFF-SAMRC Biomanufacturing Capacity
The 2025 CSSFF-SAMRC Biomanufacturing Development Programme MSc and PhD
Capacity Development Programme scholarship awardees showcasing their work
studentships cohort. at various conferences.

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