“The South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) has two very important roles amongst others. The first is to regulate good governance of the Medical Research Council. The second most important role is that it has to advise the minister on critical concerns within the medical landscape,” stated Prof Brandon Shaw, Vice Dean for Research, Innovation and Postgraduate Studies within the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Johannesburg (UJ).

Prof Shaw has been appointed, by the Minister of Health, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, to the board of the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC).

Prof Shaw now forms part of a sixteen-board member team that represent diverse areas of expertise. He is one of fourteen members that have been recognised to have distinguished themselves in any branch of medical or related science to contribute towards further development of the SAMRC.

The Board will serve as the accounting authority of the SAMRC, accountable to the Minster of Health. The Board will be responsible for, amongst others, good governance, strategic direction, risk management, and management of performance information. The Board, as the custodian of good governance, will be expected to act in the best interest of the SAMRC in managing its financial affairs.

Says Prof Shaw: “Such appointments are an important acknowledgement of the influential role of individuals at UJ, when they are seen as able to contribute to broader change, transformation and regulation. It is a privilege to be a SAMRC board member and I look forward to contribute to the future of South Africa’s Health Ministry and the ability to work with researchers and individuals that are committed to enhancing the state of health in our country and to contributing to the global knowledge economy.