Nominations for the 11th SAMRC Scientific Merit Awards to open soon

The nominations for the South African Medical Research Council’s (SAMRC) Scientific Merit Awards are set to open on 1 September 2024.

The 11th SAMRC Scientific Merit Awards marks a new era at the organisation, now under the leadership of President and CEO, Prof Ntobeko Ntusi. The awards are in honour and celebration of the exceptional scientific minds behind the research, their pioneering work and scientific excellence in their contributions within the field of health research.

Qualifying candidates are individual researchers who have made groundbreaking contributions and whose research reflects innovative methods and novel approaches to public health concerns, to potentially impact policy and ultimately lead to the betterment of the lives of all South Africans.

The prestigious SAMRC Scientific Merit Awards consist of several categories which are:

1. Platinum Lifetime Scientific Achievement Award: For outstanding, accomplished scientists who have raised the profile of South African science and helped build the foundations of health research in the country for future generations.
2. Gold Scientific Excellence Award: For established senior scientists who have made seminal scientific contributions that have impacted the health of people, especially those living in developing countries.
3. Silver Scientific Achievement Award: For early/mid-career scientists from either a MBBCh/ MBChB background or from a PhD background. The award is for important scientific contributions made within 10 years of receiving their PhD/MMed or equivalent qualification.
4. Bronze Scientific Achievement Award: For emerging scientists who have between 5 to 10 years post-PhD experience. The award is not tied to chronological age but scientists should preferably be under 50 years of age.
5. Research and Capacity Development and Transformation Award: For established scientists who have made substantial contributions to capacity building and transformation in health research in South Africa. Special emphasis will be placed on the promotion of doctoral degrees (PhD) and student race and gender diversity in the health sciences; capacity development activities of emerging and early career scientists; research workforce development; and the contribution to promoting capacity development at historically disadvantaged and/or under-resourced institutions.

Professor Ntusi would like to encourage potential nominators or nominees to complete an intent to submit form. Scientists and researchers interested in being nominated, are also encouraged to share their information with those who want to nominate them.

It is important to note that the “intent to submit form,” is not the award nomination form but it is aimed to provide the SAMRC with an indication of applications to expect for planning purposes. The nomination form will become available on 1 September when the nominations are open.