Page 95 - SAMRC Annual Report 2024-2025
P. 95
PERFORMANCE INFORMATION
protocols. Prof. Rubeshan Perumal received these fostered five new research collaborations. The unit
prestigious accolades namely, SAMRC Broze Medal, directly supports 15 postgraduate students through
GVN Action Award as well as KZN Vice Chancellor's supervision: 5 PhD, 5 master's and 5 postdoctoral
Research Award. research fellows. Furthermore, staff and students
associated with the unit are offered mentorship and
These accolades and leadership roles have elevated support for higher degree completion.
the unit's profile, driving TB and HIV research,
expanding global health initiatives, fostering Building Capacity Through
collaborations, enhancing policy engagement,
and accelerating innovation to address global Training, Mentorship, and Support
health challenges. In this funding period, the unit i. Promoting Equity:
obtained 6 new grants from diverse funders and
CAPRISA promotes equity through its
Employment Equity Committee, achieving
clean audits for five consecutive years. The
Unit supports five PhD students (N Ndjeka,
K Lutchminarain, S Ngema, E Osuala, and Y
Kadernani), five postdoctoral research fellows
(N Naicker, D Chetty, B Chimukangara, L
Amusa, and Z Salod), five Master's students
(S Myawe, M Vethakuddikurukkal, S Malinga,
S Pillay, and A Gazu), and three research interns
(T Durga, N Mzinyane, and N Naidu). Support
provided is mainly through research supervision,
mentorship, development of written and verbal
communication skills, data analysis, presentation
and write-up.
Lasker Awards Kate Milford Sept 27, 2024.
ii. Staff Development:
This remains a priority, with many employees
pursuing higher degrees, supported by UKZN
and CAPRISA. In the 2024/2025 cycle, CAPRISA
will award six PhDs, nine master's degrees,
ten Honours, and three postgraduate diplomas
to staff.
iii. Capacity Development for Research Conduct:
CAPRISA has run an annual clinical trials capacity-
building programme for unemployed graduates,
focusing on HIV/AIDS, TB, and COVID-19
G20 Health working group meeting. research. In 2024, three of 13 interns (92%
female, 69% African) were appointed as research
assistants in 2025.
iv. Community Capacity Development:
CAPRISA prioritizes community outreach
and training to members of civil society and
community organisations to enhance competency
and advocacy. Enhancing the skill and capacity of
CAPRISA's Community Advisory Boards (CABs)
helps improve their ability to represent the needs
of people affected by HIV, TB, and marginalized
Prof Rubeshan Perumal received the 2024 UKZN groups like youth and LGBTQI individuals. These
Vice Chancellor's Award. efforts strengthen research capacity, promote
equity, and improve HIV and TB outcomes.
SAMRC ANNUAL REPOR T 2024-25 93
