SA Medical Research Council

27/03/2026

The evening reached its pinnacle as the night drew to a close for conversation, cheer and laughter among attendees.

Prof Soraya Seedat of Stellenbosch University received the Platinum Scientific Merit Award alongside Prof Glenda Gray, the highest honour of the evening, recognising sustained excellence and global impact. Prof Seedat, a distinguished psychiatrist and researcher, leads major programmes in post‑traumatic stress and anxiety disorders, exploring the interplay of biology, trauma and resilience, and directing work that spans clinical neuroscience, genetics and public health.

Her contributions have advanced understanding and care for complex psychiatric conditions while strengthening research capacity and collaboration across South Africa and internationally.

27/03/2026

As the evening continued, attention turned to the Presidential Award category, celebrating leaders whose vision and stewardship have shaped the SAMRC as an organisation.

Prof Glenda Gray, the former President and CEO, strengthened the organisation’s scientific output and public health relevance, while Prof Johnny Mahlangu, former Board Chairperson, reinforced governance and strategic direction, creating an environment where scientific excellence could flourish.

With gratitude from colleagues, mentees, and the health research community for their lasting commitment to strengthening South Africa’s scientific landscape, we salute you.

27/03/2026

Then, mentors within the sector stepped forward to be recognised for shaping the next generation of health researchers.

The RCD and Transformation Awards category recognised Prof Wilhelmina ten Ham-Baloyi for advancing evidence-based practice and improving maternal and child health outcomes through research that supports nurses and vulnerable communities; Prof Mathildah Mokgatle for strengthening postgraduate training and mentoring students in sexual and reproductive health and HIV/STI prevention research; Prof Joyce Tsoka-Gwegweni for shaping research leadership in public and global health, advancing epidemiology, maternal and child health, and Prof Refilwe Phaswana-Mafuya for her leadership in building research infrastructure, mentoring emerging scientists, and creating pathways for postgraduate researchers to excel.

The SAMRC congratulates them and celebrates their legacy of mentorship, leadership and dedication to developing South Africa’s future in health research.

27/03/2026

Emerging talent then stepped onto the stage, bringing fresh ideas and bold solutions to South Africa’s health challenges.

The Bronze Awards category recognised Dr Nolonwabo Nontongana for her work in microbial water quality, Prof Conran Joseph for advancing biomedical and clinical sciences, Dr Nompumelelo Mkhwanazi for shaping critical social science perspectives on health, Prof Phambili Shai for her contributions to gender and health, and Prof Nqobile Mkolo for her work in immunology. Pointing to an even more innovative and impactful future in science.

The SAMRC congratulates them and looks forward to the new heights their research will reach.

27/03/2026

The spotlight then turned to mid-career researchers in the Silver Award category.

Honouring Prof Omobola Okoh for her work in environmental and water quality science, Dr Simone Richardson for advancing biomedical research, Prof Regan Solomons for improving child health and nutrition outcomes, and Prof Olalekan Ayo-Yusuf for his contributions to public health and to***co control, research that continues to gain recognition nationally and internationally, with profound impact across the sector.

The SAMRC congratulates them and looks forward to their continued influence on the health research landscape.

27/03/2026

Last night, at the 12th Scientific Merit Awards, an evening of prestige and purpose brought together the very best of South African science.

The Gold Awards honoured Prof Yahya Choonara for advancing pharmaceutical science and drug delivery, Prof Jonathan Peter for his leadership in clinical immunology and lung health, Distinguished Prof Anneke Hesseling for her pioneering work in childhood tuberculosis, and Prof Nelesh Govender for strengthening surveillance and response to infectious diseases.
Each contributing work that has impact in clinics, through policy, and in the lives of people across the country.

27/03/2026

Here’s to another successful training milestone by the Centre of Advanced Training and Innovative Research (CATIR), a flagship initiative dedicated to building South Africa’s next generation of scientists through cutting-edge skills development in molecular science, genomics, and laboratory leadership. Congratulations to the 20 postgraduate students from the Faculty of Science and Agriculture at the University of Limpopo for successfully completing five weeks of intensive training in advanced molecular science and laboratory management.

This impactful programme, offered by SAMRC in partnership with Thermo Fisher Scientific and the Department of Science,Technology and Innovation SA (DSTI), continues to strengthen local capacity, empower young researchers, and advance innovation in health and science.

26/03/2026

The SAMRC participated at the recent SWEAT Africa event where students from our 3rd and 4th cohort of the Chan Soon-Shiong Family Foundation capacity development programme attended. SWEAT Africa's aim is to inspire young people to pursue careers in tech and entrepreneurship.

The SAMRC participated at the recent SWEAT Africa event where students from our 3rd and 4th cohort of the Chan Soon-Shiong Family Foundation capacity develop...

25/03/2026

Hosting the , Prof Ntobeko Ntusi and Prof Fareed Abdullah welcomed Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Ms Nonceba Mhlauli, alongside India’s Minister of Skills Development and Entrepreneurship, Mr Jayant Chaudhary, with Ms Mimi Gondwe, in Cape Town, South Africa 🇿🇦.

With now underway at the SAMRC Conference Centre, a hub for scientific exchange and collaboration, global and local partners are advancing a shared priority: financing solutions that deliver measurable health outcomes, while recognising the role of skills development and entrepreneurship in strengthening and sustaining impact.

By linking funding to results, from HIV prevention to adolescent health, outcomes-based financing is driving greater accountability, smarter investment, and measurable change on the ground.

24/03/2026

The SAMRC, in partnership with the Grand Challenges network and the Gates Foundation, is launching a Request for Proposals for affordable, high-impact diagnostic tools targeting TB, HIV, and maternal/child health.
📅 Applications coming soon! Keep an eye out for the official launch after World TB Day, 24 March 2026.
💡 Got ideas? Start thinking now!
📩 For more information, please contact: Karabo.Kgomo@mrc.ac.za

24/03/2026

Tuberculosis (TB) remains one of the world’s deadliest infectious diseases. Globally, TB kills more than 1.2 million people each year, and in South Africa alone, around 54 000 lives were lost in 2024. Yet TB is preventable and curable. This World TB Day, we feature a Plain Language Summary of a study found in the Cochrane Library, which highlights a critical but often overlooked risk factor: undernutrition. Evidence from over 27 million people worldwide shows that undernutrition can double the risk of developing TB. Ending TB means more than medicine, it means tackling poverty, food insecurity, and inequity. Good nutrition is not optional, it’s lifesaving.

https://www.samrc.ac.za/evidence-in-plain-language/world-tb-day

24/03/2026

The SAMRC joins the National Department of Health (South Africa) and the world in commemorating World TB Day.