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Impact

Through its Division of Research Capacity Development (RCD), the SAMRC continues to support the long-term sustainability of health research in South Africa. Through RCDs support programmes and platforms, the SAMRC contributes to developing a generation of young scientists to help respond to the disease burden and pandemics such as COVID-19.The COVID-19 pandemic has reminded the entire world of the high social value of medical and public health research, and the importance of investing in capacity development to provide better solutions to various health problems.

Over the years, the RCD has provided a platform for many emerging researchers in different areas of health research and institutions across the country to develop their research skills and showcase their talent. In just the last five years, the Division has supported over 300 PhD candidates (including a few MScs) – 60% African black, 12% Coloured and 10% Indian which is a significant contribution to research transformation.

60 %
African black
12 %
Coloured
10 %
Indian

In overall, 73% of the beneficiaries are female – this is in line with the SAMRC’s commitment to the advancement of women scientists in order to bring a gender-edge to science and research.

According to the RCD Division Manager, Dr Thabi Maitin, a considerable number of the beneficiaries who opted to conduct research in the area of HIV and TB and other infectious diseases, are Millennials. “Although it’s regrettable that COVID-19 has to date claimed more than 300 000 lives across the globe, we are hoping it will inspire the Generation C to pursue research in medical and health sciences, the same way HIV and TB did with the Millennials,” said Maitin.

In 2020 alone, the SAMRC, through its Division of RCD, is investing about R40 million to ensure that young scientists who wish to undertake their PhD studies, receive support through scholarships to do so. New beneficiaries will soon be joining an exciting and vibrant 2020 family of more than 60 young scientists who are already enjoying prestigious support from the RCD towards completion of their PhDs.

SAMRC President and CEO, Prof Glenda Gray, reiterated the message of building our human capital in health care. “The SAMRC is invested in developing the limited critical mass of medical and health scientists and supporting our next generation across various health professions,” said Gray.