The Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) and the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) have reaffirmed their commitment to a strengthened and more strategic collaboration following the Inaugural HSRC–SAMRC Steering Committee Meeting held 29 January 2026, virtually. The meeting brought together senior leadership and researchers from both institutions to reflect on progress under existing Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) and to chart a clear path forward for deeper collaboration and impact.
The HSRC–SAMRC partnership is long-standing and has contributed significantly to national health and social research priorities, including Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF), HIV and TB prevalence surveys, mental health and life-course research, adolescent health, food security, and COVID-19–related studies and policy support.
Speaking at the meeting, Co-Chair– Prof Liesl Zuhlke, from the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC)noted that “this partnership brings together complementary strengths across social, behavioural, biomedical, and public health research, enabling more integrated and policy-relevant evidence.”
Discussions focused on moving towards a more intentional and coordinated model of collaboration, supported by clearer implementation planning and governance. Priority areas identified include non-communicable diseases and multimorbidity, mental health, climate and environmental health, health systems strengthening, and data stewardship. Capacity development was highlighted as a flagship area of collaboration. The long-standing internship programme between the two institutions was recognised for its contribution to skills development, mentorship, and transformation within the national research system.
According to Dr Mzikazi Nduna, Divisional Executive for Research Impact at the HSRC and Co-Chair for the steering committee, “strengthening joint planning and implementation will allow both institutions to maximise impact while continuing to build national research capacity.”
The inaugural Research Steering Committee meeting demonstrated the depth, maturity, and strategic value of the HSRC–SAMRC partnership. There is strong collective commitment to consolidating past achievements, addressing challenges transparently, and advancing a more structured, forward-looking collaboration. With focused implementation planning and continued leadership engagement, the partnership is well positioned to deliver meaningful scientific, policy, and societal impact.
Outcomes from the meeting will inform the consolidation of a refreshed MOU and a high-level implementation framework. Both institutions expressed strong commitment to advancing a partnership that delivers high-quality research, informs policy, and contributes to improved health and social outcomes.
Partnership development was facilitated by the Strategic Partnerships and Internationalisation Unit, led by Samantha Linn Coert, Stakeholder & Partnerships Officer.
