SAMRC Researcher Development Programme

PhD research funding for clinical or health researchers

This funding instrument supports individuals employed in academic institutions or South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) intramural and extramural research units as well as SAMRC research centres, who are on the path to becoming independent researchers in the areas of health or clinical research. The quantity of doctoral degrees awarded serves as a key metric in evaluating the objectives outlined in South Africa's National Development Plan, reflecting the correlation between a nation's PhD attainment and its overall level of development. Research suggests that countries with higher numbers of PhD graduates tend to exhibit stronger innovation capacities and economic progress, further reinforcing this link. Importantly, a doctoral qualification is a requirement for researchers wishing to supervise or train doctoral students. Therefore, this once-off award to emerging researchers, who are at the late stages of their PhDs (last 12-months), serves to relieve pressure on the candidates to speed up the conclusion of their PhDs. The funds can be used for dedicated time to spend on their research activities, pay for work relief, or any justifiable intervention. The programme prioritises candidates who are likely to succeed, are well published, or have at least one accepted publication emanating from their PhD studies. The value of the award is up to a maximum of R250,000

Requirements for all applications

1. South African citizen or permanent resident.
2. Full-time employees of academic institutions in South Africa or SAMRC researchers.
3. Officially approved research proposal and ethics clearance (where applicable) for the PhD project.
4. Must have at least one accepted publication emanating from their PhD studies.
5. Must complete their thesis write-up within twelve (12) months from the date of commencement of the award.
6. Research abstract to be provided (see example).
7. Full research proposal to be provided.
8. Research project must fall within the SAMRC priority research areas.

• See list below:
  • Biomedical Research
  • HIV, TB and other communicable diseases
  • Health System Strengthening
  • Health Promotion and Disease Prevention
  • Maternal child and woman health
  • Non-communicable diseases
  • Public Health Innovation
  • Violence, injury and trauma

How to apply

Opening date: 28 May 2025

Closing date: 18 August 2025, 23:59

Application Process

Application steps 1 to 3 below must be completed before or by 18 August 2025, 23:59.

• Step 1 – Applicant to complete the online application.
• Step 2 – Applicant to upload all the required supporting documents.
• Step 3 – Research supervisor must complete the research supervisor’s commitment form and submit the application.

Attached are three documents to assist you with your application (1.) Abstract example, (2) SAMRC Researcher Development Award RFA document 2025-26 Guidelines which includes the checklist of the required supporting documents and (3) Budget request template.

The South African Medical Research Council reserves the right to disqualify ineligible, incomplete and/or inappropriate applications, change the conditions of the award, extend the closing date, or make no awards at all. Please note that only successful candidates will be contacted after completion of the review, selection, and approval processes. Should you not hear from the SAMRC by 31 December 2025, please assume that your application has been unsuccessful.

For enquiries contact Dr Lindokuhle Ndlandla at Lindokuhle.Ndlandla@mrc.ac.za / Tel. 021 938 0442.