The Awards are in recognition of the best scientific minds and contributions within health research – whose work reflect innovative methods and novel approaches to public health concerns, to potentially impact on policy and subsequently to the betterment of the lives of South Africans.

Qualifying candidates are individual researchers who have, through published work, made groundbreaking contributions to impactful world-class science and health research aimed at advancing the lives of South Africans. The Awards, which are among the most prestigious in the country, are a set of medals including:

• Platinum Medals for a Lifetime Achievement Award are awarded to scientists who have achieved a lifetime of outstanding endevours in the field of health.
• Gold Medals are awarded to established senior scientists who have made seminal scientific contributions that have impacted on the health of the people, especially those living in developing countries.
• Silver Medals are awarded to scientists who have made important scientific contributions in the country with an emphasis on capacity development.
• Bronze Medals are awarded annually to scientists who have recently entered research, with not less than 5 years post PhD experience.
• President’s Awards are conferred to scientists who have made an exceptional life-long contribution to medical research, these are conferred at the discretion of the presiding SAMRC President.

Eligible candidates for all categories of the SAMRC Scientific Merit Awards will be identified through an open, public nomination process, as well as an SAMRC Awards Nominations Committee. Nominations will open from 15 September and will close on 31 October 2021.

For more information on the nomination process, http://www.mrc.ac.za/content/samrc-scientific-merit-awards

Kind regards

PROFESSOR GLENDA E. GRAY
President and CEO of the South African Medical Research Council