The Pharmacy Building at Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) was alive with innovation and energy as researchers, scholars, and postgraduate students from across South Africa convened for the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) Regional Research Capacity Development (RCD) Conference on 20–21 October 2025.
Hosted in partnership with SMU’s Research and Innovation Directorate, the two-day conference provided a vibrant platform for collaboration, learning, and the exchange of groundbreaking ideas. With over 40 oral and poster presentations, as well as keynote addresses from leading scientists, the event reinforced South Africa’s growing research excellence.
Welcoming delegates, Vice-Chancellor Professor Tandi Matsha-Erasmus commended the SAMRC for its commitment to nurturing young researchers. “At SMU, we are intentional about fostering a research culture that addresses national health priorities. This conference aligns with our vision to develop globally competitive scientists who make a real impact,” she said.
Opening the proceedings, Director: Gender and Health Research Unit at SAMRC, Professor Nwabisa Shai, chaired the first session, followed by Dr Abeda Dawood, Division Manager of the SAMRC’s RCD Division, who praised the power of collaboration. “This gathering reflects what can be achieved when institutions unite to build capacity and strengthen research ecosystems. The RCD programme transforms potential into impact,” she noted.
Delivering the first keynote, Professor Ntobeko Ntusi, President and CEO of the SAMRC, reaffirmed the Council’s mission to foster scientific excellence. “Our strength lies in collaboration, innovation, and the ability to nurture the next generation of scientists,” he said. “Health research must not only generate data—it must drive policy, improve healthcare, and change lives.”
Next, Dr Thandi Mgwebi, Group Executive for Business Advancement at the NRF, spoke on “Partnerships for Impact,” stressing that no single institution can tackle complex societal challenges alone. “Partnerships allow us to leverage strengths, share resources, and accelerate innovation that benefits all,” she said.
Professor Pascal Bessong, Director of the SAMRC-UNIVEN Antimicrobial Resistance and Global Health Research Unit, followed with a powerful reminder that adversity often fuels innovation. “Scarcity should inspire creativity,” he urged.
A highlight of day one came from Will Rohde of Quantahub² (USA), who discussed “Transforming Health Research with AI.” “AI is not replacing scientists—it’s expanding their potential,” he said. “Data-driven insights can accelerate discovery and improve patient outcomes faster than ever.”
Day two maintained strong momentum, featuring an RCD Executive Line Address by Dr Michelle Mulder and keynote talks from Professor Keolebogile Motaung of Nelson Mandela University and Professor Johan Louw, Director of CATIR. Reflecting on her journey, Prof Motaung encouraged young researchers: “Innovation begins with a question. The more you ask, the more you learn.”
SMU academics, including Professor Hyla Kluyts and Professor Nqobile Mkolo, showcased pioneering studies on perioperative care and plant-based inhibitors against SARS-CoV-2. Their work reflected SMU’s growing influence in translational and applied health research.
The conference closed with an awards ceremony recognising research excellence, followed by a networking dinner that celebrated collaboration, creativity, and shared purpose.
The SAMRC Regional RCD Conference at SMU not only celebrated scientific discovery but strengthened South Africa’s collective resolve to advance health research—transforming knowledge into impact.
By Dimakatso Modise
