Page 22 - SAMRC AnnualReport 2025-26

PARTNERSHIPS WITH OTHER COUNTRIES

BRICS Multilateral Joint Science and Technology

Research Collaboration
The BRICS STI Framework Programme (FP) aims to support excellent research in priority areas which can best
be addressed by a multinational approach.

The three (3) ongoing projects funded by DSTI and managed by the SAMRC that will end on 31 March 2026 are:

PROJECT TITLE PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR INSTITUTION
Novel siderophore fragments and hybrids for Prof Rosalyn Klein Rhodes University
the diagnosis and treatment of drug-resistant
infectious pathogens
Unlocking bacterial resistance to antibiotics with Associate Prof Tricia Naicker University of
the development of novel metallo-β-lactamase KwaZulu-Natal
inhibitors

Target identification and efficacy enhancement Dr Awelani Mutshembele South African Medical
of proven MDR overcoming Piper spp Research Council,
derived compounds towards candidate drug Office of HIV/AIDS
development against WHO priority 1 (critical) and TB Research
MDR pathogens: P. aeruginosa, E. coli,
K. pneumoniae, and M. tuberculosis

Collaboration with The George Institute, Australia

A Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the SAMRC and The George Institute for Global
Health (TGI), in 2022 for 3 years to expand collaboration between SAMRC and TGI scientists in the area of
health research. Both organisations have agreed to extend the MoU for a further 3 years, effective 1 April 2026.

The seven (7) SAMRC-TGI joint projects that are currently being undertaken and are scheduled to end on
31 March 2026:

NO. TITLE NAME OF PI SAMRC UNIT

1 Exploring a syndemic approach to understanding Nasheeta Peer Non-communicable
the bi-directional link between type 2 diabetes Disease Research
mellitus and depression, and implications for the Unit
integrated care process in South Africa and India

2 Collaboration to explore and identify research Tamara Kredo Health Systems
priorities for enhancing health systems governance Research Unit
and leadership for UHC in South Africa

3 A co-creation-based approach to developing Kim Jonas Health Systems
an integrated e-health intervention package Research Unit
for non-communicable diseases and sexual and
reproductive health for women and girls in
South Africa

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