SAMRC Outlines Strategic Vision for 2025–2030 in Presentation to Health Portfolio Committee

Cape Town, 22 April 2025 — SAMRC Unveils 5-Year Strategic Plan Focused on Equity and Innovation

The South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) presented its 2025/26–2029/30 Strategic Plan to Parliament, highlighting priorities in transformation, innovation, and health equity under new CEO Prof. Ntobeko Ntusi.

Key goals include supporting over 1,000 research grants, nearly 200 innovation projects, and funding 600+ postgraduate researchers. The SAMRC aims to strengthen science-policy links, boost high-impact research, and maintain clean audits with admin spending capped at 20%.

Facing reduced international funding, the SAMRC called for domestic support in four key areas, including postgraduate funding and ethical research closures. Projected revenue is expected to reach R2.2 billion by 2027/28, with a focus on staff and research funding.

Risks such as cyber threats and funding gaps are being addressed through strategic partnerships, policy updates, and training. The SAMRC also endorsed the Rio Declaration, supporting health sovereignty and equitable access to medical technologies.

To read the full article on Afri Parli Watcg, click here