Medical Research Council of South Africa

Overview

The South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) was established in 1969 to conduct and fund health research, health innovation, development and research translation. The SAMRC focuses on the top ten causes of mortality, co-morbidities, disability and associated risk factors. The scope of research includes laboratory investigations, clinical research and public health studies.

As a responsive health organisation, the SAMRC’s research seeks to address South Africa’s quadruple burden of disease: maternal-, newborn- and child health, HIV/AIDS and TB, non-communicable diseases and interpersonal violence. The SAMRC generates knowledge through world-class research to inform policy and practice, to improve the quality of life for South Africans.

The SAMRC is the largest local funder of health research, medical diagnostics, medical devices and therapeutics. To build human capacity in healthcare and ensure the sustainability of health research, the Council has defined research capacity programmes, providing scholarships to master’s, PhD and postdoctoral scholars in medical and health sciences. As a custodian of research for health, the SAMRC is building a healthy nation through research and innovation.

Overseeing Department/Entity

• Department of Health (DoH)