Abeda Dawood is the Division Manager of the Division of Research Capacity Development at the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC).  In this role, Abeda is responsible for overseeing various research capacity development programmes aimed at supporting the growth of health research capacity. These programmes include strategic capacity development grants and scholarships aligned with national research priorities, directly contributing to national targets for research capacity development and transformation.

Before joining SAMRC, Abeda worked in various capacities, including academia, funding administration, and management for more than 25 years.  As a scientist, Abeda has a strong interest in molecular systematics and has been always passionate about research capacity, postgraduate student development, and education in South Africa.