The South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) was established in 1969 with the aim to deliver on a mandate to promote the improvement of the health and the quality of life of the population of our country through research, development and technology transfer.

The scope of the SAMRC’s research includes basic laboratory investigations, clinical research and public health studies.  Research at the SAMRC focuses on the ten highest causes of mortality in South Africa and includes TB, HIV, chronic diseases, alcohol and drug abuse, and women’s health.

Cochrane SA is a research unit of the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC). It receives its core funding from the SAMRC and raises project-specific grants from external funders in collaboration with partners.