The management structure for research in the RSA, with a proposed management model for medical faculties

Government accepts responsibility for stimulating and supporting research and development for the welfare of the entire community. Research is therefore a matter of serious concern which should be approached with the greatest degree of responsibility by those trained and qualified to engage in its pursuit. A description is given of those institutions established for overall planning of matters of common concern to all research bodies: the Scientific Advisory Council, the Science Planning Branch of the Department of Constitutional Development and Planning, and the Scientific Priorities Committee. Medical research has made significant progress since the establishment in 1969 of the Medical Research Council, which has devised a management structure to discharge its responsibilities effectively on a national basis. This structure and its underlying philosophy are discussed. There is a great need to strengthen the management structures of research at medical faculties, teaching hospitals and other medical institutions to ensure cost-effectiveness and provide an ongoing flow of research manpower. A research structure for this purpose is proposed and described.