SAMRC Scientific Merit Awards 2025 – honouring excellence in Health Research
The South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) held its 11th scientific merit awards to honour some of the best scientific minds in Health Research.
Former Director-General at the Department of Health Adjunct Professor Precious Matsoso was awarded the President Award alongside Professor George Mensah, the Director of the Centre for Translation Research and Implementation Science.
Adjunct Professor Matsoso is currently the Director of the Health Regulatory Science Platform, a division of the Wits Health Consortium, and an honorary lecturer in the Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology at the University of the Witwatersrand.
“Through these prestigious awards, which remain the most sought-after in the country, the SAMRC aims to acknowledge outstanding contributions in health sciences, to recognise individuals who have demonstrated exceptional scientific acumen or made innovative strides in addressing public health challenges, potentially influencing policy and enhancing the well-being of all South Africans,” said SAMRC President and CEO, Professor Ntobeko Ntusi.
Service Recognition Awards were also presented to long-serving SAMRC Unit Directors Prof Naeemah Abrahams (Gender and Health Research Unit), Prof Charles Parry (Mental Health, Alcohol, Substance Use and Tobacco Research Unit) and Prof Rob Warren (Stellenbosch University/SAMRC Centre for Tuberculosis Research) who are going on retirement.
Platinum awards recipients:
The Platinum Lifetime Achievement Award for an outstanding scientist who has raised the profile of South African science and helped build the foundations of health research in the country for future generations was awarded to Professor Quarraisha Abdool Karim and Professor Karen Hofman.
The Gold, Silver, and Bronze medal award recipients:
Gold medals are offered to accomplished senior scientists who have made seminal contributions that had a profound impact on the health of people, particularly those residing in developing nations. Awarded in this category were Professors Naeemah Abrahams, Professor Clive Gray, Professor Sandrine Lecour and Professor Shane Norris.
Silver medals are dedicated to scientists who have made important scientific contributions within 10 years of having been awarded their PhD or Master of Medicine (MMed). This year, the award recipients are Professor Soraya Bardien and Professor Andre Loxton.
The Bronze medals are awarded to scientists who have recently entered the health research field, with not less than five years post PhD experience. Taking a bow in this category were, Professor Usisipho Feleni, Dr Cindy George, Professor Andile Khathi and Dr Rubeshan Perumal.
In a new category, the Research Capacity Development and Transformation Award has been established for scientists who have made substantial contributions to capacity building and transformation in health research in South Africa. Recipients of these awards are Professor Zilungile Mkhize-Kwitshana, Professor Helen Schneider, Professor Alvaro Viljoen and Professor Lindiwe Zungu.
SAMRC Board Chairperson Professor Johnny Mahlangu congratulated this year’s recipients commending their dedication to advancing health research and innovation.
“On behalf of the SAMRC Board, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to this year’s recipients of the SAMRC Scientific Merit Awards. Your dedication to advancing health research and innovation is truly commendable. These awards celebrate not only your outstanding contributions but also the impact your work has on improving lives and shaping the future of healthcare in South Africa and beyond. We salute your excellence and commitment to health research,” said Professor Mahlangu.
View the Award Winners
