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/

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

Thank you for being part of the impact, follow SAMRC across our social media platforms for more moments that advance health and research.

The South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) has welcomed the announcement by the Global Antibiotic Research & Dev...
17/12/2025

The South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) has welcomed the announcement by the Global Antibiotic Research & Development Partnership (GARDP) that the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved NUZOLVENCE® (zoliflodacin), a first-in-class, single-dose oral antibiotic for the treatment of uncomplicated urogenital gonorrhoea.

This historic approval marks the first new antibiotic developed exclusively for gonorrhoea in decades and represents a significant advance in the global fight against antimicrobial resistance (AMR), one of the most pressing public health threats of our time.

https://www.samrc.ac.za/press-releases/samrc-welcomes-fda-approval-first-class-oral-antibiotic-gonorrhoea-highlights-south

Stay safe this festive season! The SAMRC is warning everyone to take extra care as temperatures soar across the country....
15/12/2025

Stay safe this festive season! The SAMRC is warning everyone to take extra care as temperatures soar across the country. Babies, children, older persons, pregnant women, people with disabilities, and those on chronic medication are especially at risk during extreme heat.
Here’s how you can protect yourself and your loved ones:

Drink plenty of water and avoid sugary or alcoholic drinks.
Stay in the shade or the coolest part of your home.
Wear light, loose-fitting clothes and hats.
Never leave children, older persons, or pets in parked vehicles—even for a minute!
Recognise the signs of heat exhaustion and act promptly if someone begins to feel unwell.

Let’s look out for each other and make this festive season safe for everyone. Share these tips with your friends and family!

Every successful organisation is built on the dedication, passion, and resilience of its employees. Today, we proudly pa...
11/12/2025

Every successful organisation is built on the dedication, passion, and resilience of its employees. Today, we proudly pause to recognise and celebrate those individuals who reached significant long-service milestones within the SAMRC.
Their commitment over the years is more than tenure; it is a reflection of loyalty, professionalism, and an enduring belief in our vision and mission.

Our long-service employees have been part of the SAMRC’s journey through change, growth, challenges, and achievements. They helped shape our culture, strengthen our values, and lay the foundation for the successes we enjoy today. Their experience and leadership continue to inspire both new and long-standing team members alike.

To each employee marking a milestone this year: thank you. Thank you for the countless hours of dedication, for the enthusiasm you bring to your work, and for consistently going above and beyond. Your contribution reaches far beyond your job title; you are mentors, innovators, problem-solvers, and the heartbeat of our organisation.

Long service is not just measured in years but in the many moments that fill those years: the challenges overcome, the relationships built, the goals achieved, and the commitment that never wavered. We honour not only what you have accomplished, but who you are.

As we celebrate your achievements, we also want to recognise the invaluable stability and continuity you bring. Your deep knowledge and experience guide us forward, ensuring that we grow while staying true to the principles that define us.

We look forward to continuing this journey with you. May your years ahead be filled with new opportunities, growth, and continued success. Your dedication reminds us that when people feel valued, supported, and empowered, great things are bound to happen.

Once again, thank you for your long service. You are an essential part of our story, and we are grateful for everything you bring to our organisation.

The South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) and the University of Cape Town (UCT) have launched a landmark multid...
05/12/2025

The South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) and the University of Cape Town (UCT) have launched a landmark multidisciplinary research initiative to investigate the political, economic and social drivers of harmful alcohol use in South Africa and Botswana and assess its far-reaching impacts. The five-year project aims to generate evidence that supports the co-creation of effective policies and community interventions with stakeholders to reduce alcohol-related harm.
https://www.samrc.ac.za/press-releases/samrc-and-uct-leads-landmark-study-curb-alcohol-harm-sa

01/12/2025

Different Faces.
Shared Risk.
Your Choice. Your Safety & Theirs.

As Science Forum South Africa 2025   comes to a close, the SAMRC celebrates a week of meaningful, future-shaping engagem...
28/11/2025

As Science Forum South Africa 2025 comes to a close, the SAMRC celebrates a week of meaningful, future-shaping engagements with partners, researchers, students, and policy leaders.

On Tuesday, 25 November, our President & CEO, Prof. Ntobeko Ntusi, moderated a high-level session on the South Africa–Netherlands Partnership in Health, highlighting the importance of strong diplomatic, bi- and multilateral collaboration in advancing global health.

On Wednesday, 26 November, we hosted a packed session titled “Building a Healthier Nation for All Through Science and Medical Research.”
A dynamic panel of experts shared insights on health innovation, gender and health, climate change, population research, and epidemic preparedness:

🔹 Moderator: Dr Ebrahim Samodien – SAMRC Research Manager
🔹 Prof Ntobeko Ntusi – SAMRC President & CEO
🔹 Prof Nwabisa Shai – Director: Gender and Health Research Unit
🔹 Prof Caradee Wright – Chief Specialist Scientist: Climate Change & Human Health
🔹 Tinofa Mutevedzi – Research Operations Manager, SAPRIN
🔹 Prof Edmore Marinda – Co-director, Pan African Centre for Epidemic Research

Our exhibition booth was abuzz throughout the week as we engaged with students, researchers, and delegates who are passionate about building a healthier, more resilient South Africa.

And what better way to conclude our participation than by celebrating Prof Caradee Wright, who proudly bagged the Science Forum South Africa Science Diplomacy Award for “Science Advice that has Transcended National and International Spheres.”

A well-deserved recognition of scientific excellence and global impact.

Thank you to everyone who joined us, shared ideas, and strengthened collaborations. Together, we advance science for the benefit of all.

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Francie Van Zijl Drive, Parow Valley
Cape Town
7500

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Tuesday 08:00 - 16:30
Wednesday 08:00 - 16:30
Thursday 08:00 - 16:30
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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