SAMRC call
Important notice:
The SAMRC call for Self-Initiated Research (SIR) proposals will open on Friday 12 July 2024. However, SIR applications will no longer be submitted via email; they must be completed and submitted online using the new SAMRC RIMS system.
Please ensure that you register on the SAMRC RIMS system in advance of the opening date. Note that the SAMRC RIMS system is different from the UFS RIMS (InfoEd) system.
Here are the User Manual and a one-pager indicating the RIMS Registration Process for non-SAMRC Users. Contact Eleanor van der Westhuizen, on VdwestHD@ufs.ac.za should you need any additional information or assistance in this regard.
Applications for equipment/infrastructure support for the research, development, testing, and pilot scale production of vaccines in South Africa
The South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) has announced the following call: Applications for equipment/infrastructure support for the research, development, testing, and pilot scale production of vaccines in South Africa. This project will provide funding to support the acquisition or upgrade of equipment, and, in some areas, the upgrade of infrastructure needed to improve the vaccine development pipeline and innovation and manufacturing ecosystem in South Africa. It is specifically recorded that this RFA is not intended to fund research projects.
Table 1: Areas to be supported through the project
No. | Support Area | Outcome |
1. | Pilot Vaccine Production | (a) Procurement and installation of equipment at a pilot plant for active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) using mRNA technology. |
(b) Procurement and installation of equipment at a pilot plant for vaccine APIs with other than mRNA technology. |
2. | Research and Laboratories | Procurement and installation of equipment and support infrastructure (including IT) for upgrading and modernising research facilities (including animal facilities) and laboratories, including the National Control Laboratory. |
3. | Training | Procurement and installation of laboratory training equipment potentially attached to a pilot plant or equivalent facility. |
4. | Regulation | Procurement and installation of equipment supporting the digitalisation as well as the regulation capacities of SAHPRA. |
There is no maximum value for each application; however, the minimum value of an individual item of equipment will not be less than R1 000 000 (one million rand), including VAT.
The total cost of acquisition may include a full five-year maintenance plan and costs associated with the installation and commissioning of the equipment.
All applications must be approved by the relevant authorised representative of the entity submitting the application through a signed declaration and letter of commitment uploaded on the system. Such authorised representative must be at the level of deputy vice-chancellor for public universities and the chief executive officer or chief financial officer for research entities, national laboratories, and private entities.
Applicants must clearly indicate for which area of support, i.e. 1(a); 1(b); 2; or 3 in Table 1, they are applying. Applicants may apply for more than one area of support; however, a separate application must be submitted for each area of support.
Please access and complete the documentation:
More information is available here:
These deadlines are important to take note of: