Page 52 - SAMRC AnnualReport 2025-26

Artificial Intelligence in Medical By promoting open science and data sharing, the
and Health Research EMU aims to strengthen collaboration among
research institutions, government, universities,
The EMU is strengthening health research and and industry partners. The Unit recognises that AI
innovation by strategically adopting artificial is not merely a technological tool, but a long-term
intelligence (AI) and data-driven technologies. capability that requires robust data ecosystems,
Central to this approach is the development of skilled people, sound governance, and a sustained
high-quality, representative data systems to ensure focus on measurable public health impact.
reliable and equitable AI applications across South
Africa’s diverse populations.

AI has the potential to accelerate research by
enhancing literature reviews, improving participant
recruitment, enabling disease surveillance, and
enabling risk prediction and forecasting to support
evidence-based decision-making and resource
allocation. These advances align with national health
priorities and global guidance from organisations
such as the World Health Organization.
The Unit is also investing in interdisciplinary skills
development by integrating expertise in biomedical
science, data science, and policy. Strong ethical and
governance frameworks, including compliance with
the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA), An image showing how the Retinal vessel
are essential to ensuring transparency, privacy, and responses to light flicker provocation.
responsible AI use.

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