SA Medical Research Council

SA Medical Research Council The South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) was established in 1969 with a mandate to improve

Our vision: Building a healthy nation through research, innovation and transformation

Our mission: To advance the nation’s health and quality of life and address inequity by conducting and funding relevant and responsive health research, capacity development, innovation and research translation

If you look for jobs at the SAMRC click here: https://samrc.breezy.hr/

This Healthy Lifestyle Awareness Month, we feature a systemic review from the Cochrane Library on Sporting Organisation ...
20/02/2026

This Healthy Lifestyle Awareness Month, we feature a systemic review from the Cochrane Library on Sporting Organisation Interventions to promote healthier behaviours and improve health outcomes. Supporting organisation interventions can be useful to increase physical activity and may also increase the consumption of fruit and vegetables. It is worth to mention that these studies were conducted in high-income countries. With South Africa being a sport-loving nation, it could be useful to explore the development of similar interventions relevant to our context.

This Plain-Language Summary was brought to you by Cochrane South Africa, providing trusted Evidence for better decisions." - https://www.samrc.ac.za/evidence-in-plain-language/promoting-healthy-behaviour-and-improving-health-outcomes-through

Pregnant or caring for a newborn in this heat? Temperatures across South Africa are rising.Heatwaves can increase the ri...
19/02/2026

Pregnant or caring for a newborn in this heat?

Temperatures across South Africa are rising.

Heatwaves can increase the risk of dehydration, exhaustion and heat stress for both mom and baby.

Research from our Environment & Health Research Unit, under the Climate Change and Human Health Research Programme, confirms that rising temperatures pose growing health risks for vulnerable groups.

Here’s how to stay safe and keep your little one protected.

The South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC), in partnership with Thermo Fisher Scientific and the Department of S...
18/02/2026

The South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC), in partnership with Thermo Fisher Scientific and the Department of Science,Technology and Innovation SA (DSTI), proudly welcomed students from the University of Limpopo to the Centre for Advanced Training and Innovative Research (CATIR) today.

Over the next five weeks, the students will receive intensive training in advanced molecular science and laboratory management, strengthening critical scientific skills in-country and contributing to future pandemic preparedness and a more resilient health system.

CATIR was established with a clear and deliberate purpose to strengthen research capacity, accelerate innovation, and cultivate scientific excellence in South Africa which is in line with one of the SAMRC’s Strategic Goal to “Build human capacity for the long-term sustainability of the South African health research”.
# SAMRC

Media Release: New SAMRC and Clean Air Fund Project Report Launched to Provide an Evidence-Policy-Action Pathway for Sou...
18/02/2026

Media Release: New SAMRC and Clean Air Fund Project Report Launched to Provide an Evidence-Policy-Action Pathway for South Africa’s Air Pollution Priority Areas

A new research and policy initiative aimed at providing a pathway to reducing the severe health impacts of air pollution in South Africa’s most affected regions has been officially launched by the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC), with support from the Clean Air Fund.

The project builds on robust epidemiological evidence generated through a multi-site SAMRC study examining the health impacts of ambient air pollution in South Africa’s three Air Pollution Priority Areas: the Highveld, the Vaal Triangle, and the Waterberg–Bojanala region.

https://www.samrc.ac.za/press-releases/new-samrc-and-clean-air-fund-project-report-launched-provide-evidence-policy-action

Professor Ntobeko Ntusi, President & CEO of the SAMRC, made closing remarks at the launch of ACHIEVE Africa during the 3...
17/02/2026

Professor Ntobeko Ntusi, President & CEO of the SAMRC, made closing remarks at the launch of ACHIEVE Africa during the 39th African Union Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

The initiative brought together African governments, institutions, and global partners to secure political commitment and strengthen Africa’s vaccine and therapeutic research, development, and manufacturing capacity.

Aligned with the Summit’s theme of advancing sustainable development and strengthening Africa’s resilience, ACHIEVE Africa addresses the continent’s shared priorities. For South Africans, and communities across Africa, it means reduced reliance on external sources, faster access to life-saving technologies, stronger local manufacturing, and more opportunities in the health sector.

In his remarks, Prof Ntusi highlighted what coordinated continental action can achieve: protecting communities, responding more swiftly in crises, and creating solutions developed in Africa, for Africa.

In recognition of Healthy Lifestyle Awareness Month, as designated on the Department of Health calendar, research from o...
09/02/2026

In recognition of Healthy Lifestyle Awareness Month, as designated on the Department of Health calendar, research from our Non-Communicable Diseases Research Unit (NCDRU) shows that small, practical choices including movement, balanced meals, rest, and prevention, play an important role in reducing non-communicable diseases (NCDs such as diabetes and heart disease).

A healthy lifestyle looks different for everyone, influenced by habits, prevention, and access, not just expenditure.

Advancing Life, the SAMRC’s external newsletter, is out now.This issue marks the inaugural print distribution of the pub...
22/01/2026

Advancing Life, the SAMRC’s external newsletter, is out now.

This issue marks the inaugural print distribution of the publication, with copies strategically provided to selected schools and clinics.

The publication has been thoughtfully reworked to enhance reader engagement, supporting broader access to health research and extending into learning and care spaces.

A small newspaper, brought into real spaces, real hands, and real communities.
This is how we continue advancing life.

You can view the online version here:
https://www.samrc.ac.za/AdvancingLife/

Support for the South African National Health Research Enterprise in Response to USA Funding Withdrawals. Recognizing th...
24/12/2025

Support for the South African National Health Research Enterprise in Response to USA Funding Withdrawals.

Recognizing the catastrophic impact of USA funding cuts on the South African Health Research Enterprise since early 2025, the SAMRC raised substantial funding to support affected institutions/organisations and ran a Request for Applications (SAMRC-RFA-GIPD-04-2025), issued on 29 July 2025, for this purpose. The SAMRC is currently finalising around 60 grants with an estimated budget of around R226 million from this RFA.

Deadline: 19 February 2026

https://www.samrc.ac.za/funding/support-south-african-national-health-research-enterprise-response-usa-funding-withdrawals

Catch SAMRC Vice-President Extramural Research & Internal Portfolio, Prof Liesl Zühlke on SABC 3 Expresso Show on Tuesda...
22/12/2025

Catch SAMRC Vice-President Extramural Research & Internal Portfolio, Prof Liesl Zühlke on SABC 3 Expresso Show on Tuesday, 23 December 2025 at 6:20am talking about Cardiovascular disease and the increase in sudden cardiac death over the festive season. You can catch the interview live on DSTV Channel 193 Or on Youtube via this link: https://www.youtube.com/ Don’t miss out.

Introduction to Longitudinal Data Analysis Short Course, 16 - 19 March 2026. The SAMRC will offer an intermediate course...
22/12/2025

Introduction to Longitudinal Data Analysis Short Course, 16 - 19 March 2026.
The SAMRC will offer an intermediate course in biostatistics, that will cover principles and concepts of longitudinal statistical methods that are generally used and applied in the wider field of biomedical research including public health, epidemiology and clinical science. The course will be relevant to public health, clinical, epidemiological graduates and researchers who work in medical research units, academic departments or health services.
Registration deadline - 16 January 2026
https://www.samrc.ac.za/event/introduction-longitudinal-data-analysis-short-course

18/12/2025

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Our vision: Building a healthy nation through research, innovation and transformation Our mission: To advance the nation’s health and quality of life and address inequity by conducting and funding relevant and responsive health research, capacity development, innovation and research translation If you look for jobs at the SAMRC click here: http://www.samrc.ac.za/job-opportunities