The South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) has bestowed its most prestigious award on Prof Jimmy Volmink, Dean of Stellenbosch University's Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (FMHS), for his “exceptional lifelong contribution to medical research and public health".

Volmink received the special Presidential Award at the recent seventh SAMRC Merit Awards event. Prof Mike Sathekge, head of nuclear medicine at the University of Pretoria and Steve Biko Academic Hospital, also received the Presidential Award during the event.

“This is a celebration and recognition of scientific excellence and contributions by outstanding medical scientists whose work has made an indelible impact in advancing the lives of South Africans," the SAMRC said in a statement.

Past recipients of the Presidential Award include illustrious science leaders who have made a global impact, such as Profs Zena Stein, Carl Lombard and former SAMRC president Malegapuru William Makgoba.

In its citation, the SAMRC recognises Volmink's contribution to the fields of clinical epidemiology and evidence-based medicine during a career extending over more than three decades, particularly highlighting the following contributions:  

• Developing and using rigorous methods to evaluate health care interventions relevant for addressing health problems affecting people living in low- and middle-income countries;
• Promoting evidence-based decision-making at local, national and global levels through knowledge translation efforts;
• Advocacy to address health and social inequalities; and
• Building research capacity through training and mentorship.

In the citation Volmink was also lauded for his longstanding relationship with the SAMRC. “Prof Volmink has a long history of association with the SAMRC, dating back to 1990 when he was appointed as specialist scientist at the then Centre for Epidemiological Research in Southern Africa (CERSA). After completing his DPhil at Oxford, he was invited by the SAMRC to take up the role of founding director of the South African Cochrane Centre (now Cochrane SA). He achieved the rank of chief specialist scientist in 1998. Over the course of more than two decades (either in a full-time or part-time capacity) he continued to contribute to building and guiding the Cochrane SA team. Today, this unit is widely respected for the impact of its research and important contributions to evidence-based healthcare."

In his acceptance speech, Volmink thanked the SAMRC for an “extraordinary honour", as well as the opportunities and support the institution has offered him during his career.

“I've long realised that achievement is always a team effort, and it is in that spirit that I gratefully receive this award not only on my own behalf, but also on that of the many people that have contributed to my success and career advancement over the years," Volmink said. He paid tribute to his colleagues and family who have supported and inspired him throughout his career.

“It has been a real privilege to be able to serve the people of this country by making a small contribution in strengthening science, education and skills development, and I look forward to many years of still being able to making some contribution in that sense," Volmink said.

Another FMHS colleague was also recognised at the SAMRC Merit Awards event. Dr Stephanus Malherbe, chief medical officer with the Biomedical Research Institute Clinical Team, received the Silver Medal, which is awarded to emerging and upcoming scientists and those committed to capacity development.

According to SAMRC president and CEO Prof Glenda Gray, the council “is honoured to celebrate these exceptional South Africans who always go to great lengths to produce world-class science aimed at the betterment of the lives of the country's citizens".​