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/

The SAMRC warmly congratulates Prof Jill Hanass-Hancock, Chief Specialist Scientist at the Gender and Health Research Un...
23/07/2025

The SAMRC warmly congratulates Prof Jill Hanass-Hancock, Chief Specialist Scientist at the Gender and Health Research Unit, who has been named a finalist in the 2025 South African Women in Science Awards (SAWiSA).

This award is a prestigious honour that recognises excellence by women in science and profiles them as role models for younger women. Prof Hanass-Hancock's work focuses on the vulnerabilities and needed adaptations to enhance inclusion of people with disabilities in HIV and sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) programmes in Southern Africa.

The SAMRC Environment and Health Research Unit through its Climate Change and Health Research Programme is hosting a , ...
22/07/2025

The SAMRC Environment and Health Research Unit through its Climate Change and Health Research Programme is hosting a , discussing:

"Methodological and technological advancements for research on climate change and health"

With: Prof Antonio Gasparrini
When: 5 August 2025

Join us, please register here: 075215db-953b-46ba-a5e6-5f4529ba1d5e@f1930bff-9b51-4d0c-b2bd-c26a9e0f4600" rel="ugc" target="_blank">https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/075215db-953b-46ba-a5e6-5f4529ba1d5e@f1930bff-9b51-4d0c-b2bd-c26a9e0f4600

In honour of Madiba and guided by our core value of Citizenship—which calls on us to act responsibly towards our communi...
18/07/2025

In honour of Madiba and guided by our core value of Citizenship—which calls on us to act responsibly towards our communities, nation, and the world—our employees took it upon themselves to support those in need. What makes this initiative even more inspiring is that staff used their own money to purchase personal hygiene items—no government or taxpayer funds were used.
These donations were delivered to two community organisations: the Iphupha Lam After School Program in Khayelitsha and the Elim Night Shelter in Parow.
Through these selfless acts, our employees continue to embody Mandela’s legacy by making a real and personal difference.

Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., the world leader in serving science, and the South African Medical Research Council (SAMR...
17/07/2025

Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., the world leader in serving science, and the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC), an entity of the Department of Health, together with South Africa’s Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI), have announced the official opening of a dedicated training facility for advanced molecular science and laboratory management to further enhance essential scientific skills in-country, supporting future pandemic preparedness and local health system resilience.

https://www.samrc.ac.za/press-releases/thermo-fisher-scientific-south-african-medical-research-council-and-department

Prof Caradee Wright is attending a two-day training workshop on Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSPs) in London, as well ...
16/07/2025

Prof Caradee Wright is attending a two-day training workshop on Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSPs) in London, as well as the 3rd conference on the Forum on Scenarios for Climate and Societal Futures, taking place from 14–18 July 2025 at the University of Leeds. Both events are supported by Wellcome Trust, a key funder of research into climate and health, infectious diseases, and maternal health.

Prof Wright’s participation builds on the ongoing work of the Environment and Health Research Unit and specifically the Climate Change and Health Research Programme.

14/07/2025

Thank you for making the 2025 GenS Programme a success! We look forward to welcoming next year’s Grade 11 learners and continuing this effort with all our valued stakeholders.

The GenS Job Shadowing Programme concluded from the vibrant shores of Durban, where science connects with everyday life....
11/07/2025

The GenS Job Shadowing Programme concluded from the vibrant shores of Durban, where science connects with everyday life.

Learners engaged with professionals across key science fields, including medicine, pharmaceutical work, medical technology, statistics, and research. These familiar careers took on new meaning as Grade 11 learners visited Clinical Research Sites in Chatsworth, Phoenix, and Verulam. Receiving an opportunity to see firsthand how research informs public health responses to challenges like HIV/AIDS.

At Africa Health Research Institute (AHRI), learners stepped into active laboratories, exploring malaria research, insectary research, and practical demonstrations.

The experience wrapped up with the Biostatistics Research Unit, who highlighted how data helps track outbreaks, manage health risks, and shape evidence-based solutions.

The Pretoria leg of the Generation Science (GenS) Job Shadowing Programme brought a unique energy, with the SAMRC’s dist...
09/07/2025

The Pretoria leg of the Generation Science (GenS) Job Shadowing Programme brought a unique energy, with the SAMRC’s distinctive community-driven research approach in this region.

Here, learners engaged with research units in Biostatistics, Gender and Health, SAFOODS, and Data Management, gaining insight into the kind of impactful science that doesn’t always happen in labs, but still shapes national health policy, nutrition, gender equity, and data-informed decision-making.

Grade 11 learners were provided with a view into how science meets society, and how their future could help drive that connection.

Drs Tracey Laban, Chantelle Howlett-Downing and Ms Muthise Bulani of the Climate Change and Health Research Programme at...
04/07/2025

Drs Tracey Laban, Chantelle Howlett-Downing and Ms Muthise Bulani of the Climate Change and Health Research Programme attended the School of Health Systems and Public Health Research Day hosted by the University of Pretoria.

This year’s theme was on: “Navigating the Grey Zones: Ethics and AI in Public Health Research.” The team was invited to share materials from the work of the Environment and Health Research Unit. This was an opportunity to actively engage with stakeholders while raising awareness about climate change and its impacts on environmental health

The Generation Science (Gen S) Job Shadowing Programme is officially underway at the SAMRC Cape Town offices. Learners a...
03/07/2025

The Generation Science (Gen S) Job Shadowing Programme is officially underway at the SAMRC Cape Town offices. Learners are gaining hands-on exposure to fields like Genomics, Environmental Health, South African Food Data Systems, and Biomedical Research & Innovation.

These Grade 11 learners have shown eager curiosity, and our scientists, with equal dedication, are sharing their knowledge and providing guidance.

Next up: Pretoria and Durban, we can’t wait!

A South African study has identified important biological indicators in the blood that can help predict the severity of ...
02/07/2025

A South African study has identified important biological indicators in the blood that can help predict the severity of COVID-19. Conducted by researchers from the University of Cape Town and supported by the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC), the study sheds new light on how the body’s response to the virus can signal the likelihood of a patient developing severe illness.

The study focused on the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) — a critical hormone system that regulates blood pressure and fluid balance — and its interaction with immune system responses during COVID-19 infection. The system is of special relevance to coronavirus infections because these viruses use ACE2 as the entry receptor to access human cells.
https://www.samrc.ac.za/press-releases/south-african-study-uncovers-key-predictors-covid-19-severity-using-blood-biomarkers

In a study funded by the SAMRC, researchers have found that more than half of South Africans infected with COVID-19 expe...
02/07/2025

In a study funded by the SAMRC, researchers have found that more than half of South Africans infected with COVID-19 experienced lasting mental and cognitive health issues long after their recovery—some even up to two years later.

The research, conducted by the University of Cape Town and published in the journal Brain, Behavior, & Immunity – Health, followed 97 people who tested positive for COVID-19 during the first three waves of the pandemic. These individuals—ranging from those who had no symptoms to those who were critically ill—were interviewed at least six months after their infection to assess ongoing neuropsychiatric symptoms like anxiety, fatigue, and memory problems.
https://www.samrc.ac.za/press-releases/covid-19-patients-suffered-mental-and-cognitive-health-issues-study-found

Address

Parowvallei

Opening Hours

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

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when SA Medical Research Council posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Practice

Send a message to SA Medical Research Council:

Shortcuts

Share

Category

Our Story

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