About Us
Our Identity
The Medical Research Council of Zimbabwe (MRCZ) is the national body responsible for promoting, regulating, and coordinating health research in Zimbabwe. Established to ensure that all medical and health‑related studies uphold scientific integrity, ethical standards, and the protection of human participants, MRCZ provides oversight for research conducted in public, private, and academic institutions. The Council advances the country’s health priorities by reviewing protocols, monitoring compliance, and fostering research that improves public health, informs policy development, and drives innovation.
MRCZ is a specialised Council of the Research Council of Zimbabwe (RCZ) established in 1974 under the Research Act of 1959 and Government Notice No. 225 of 1974 to provide health research institutions with independent ethical oversight on research. The MRCZ is established and supported by the Government of Zimbabwe through the Ministry of Health and Child Care. A National Ethics Committee, hosted by MRCZ, comprises scientists, medical experts, ethicists, lawyers, and representatives of the religious community. It is independent in its reflection, advice and decision.
Ethical Oversight
Independent review of every research protocol and study.
Scientific Integrity
Rigorous, evidence-based standards across all research.
Participant Protection
Safeguarding the rights and welfare of every participant.
Public Health Impact
Research that informs policy and improves health outcomes.
Vision
We share a vision of a sustainable health research sector by 2025 that can drive Zimbabwe’s future health, social and economic development. This vision recognises that an effective health research sector must be founded on relevant, ethical, and scientifically sound research that informs health policy and practice.
Mission
To promote, regulate, and coordinate the conduct of health research that is ethical, scientifically sound, and relevant and that influences health policy and practice in Zimbabwe. Through its activities, MRCZ will play a critical role in making Zimbabwe a world-class centre for health research.
Values
- Professionalism
- Work Ethic
- Credibility
- Integrity
- Transparency
- Teamwork
- Confidentiality
- Knowledge
- Commitment
- Innovation
Functions of the Council
The functions and duties of the council shall be:
- To collect funds whether by public subscription or otherwise for the promotion of medical research in Zimbabwe.
- To keep under review medical research in Zimbabwe, with particular attention to the adequacy of such research for the needs of Zimbabwe.
- To promote all aspects of medical research, and to ensure maximum co-ordination between persons or authorities who are undertaking or about to undertake nay form of medical research.
- With the approval of the Minister, carry out medical research.
Governance
Membership of the Council
The Council provides strategic governance and oversight for the Medical Research Council of Zimbabwe, ensuring that health research remains ethical, scientifically sound and aligned with national priorities.
Prof. R.B.L. Gutsire
Council Chairperson
Prof. R.B.L. Gutsire serves on the Council of the Medical Research Council of Zimbabwe as Council Chairperson, supporting ethical governance, institutional accountability and the protection of research participants.
Prof. D. Tagwireyi
Vice-Chairperson
Prof. D. Tagwireyi serves on the Council of the Medical Research Council of Zimbabwe as Vice-Chairperson, supporting ethical governance, institutional accountability and the protection of research participants.
Dr. D. Bramsen
Member
Dr. D. Bramsen serves on the Council of the Medical Research Council of Zimbabwe as Member, supporting ethical governance, institutional accountability and the protection of research participants.
Dr. R. B. Matchaba-Hove
Member
Dr. R. B. Matchaba-Hove serves on the Council of the Medical Research Council of Zimbabwe as Member, supporting ethical governance, institutional accountability and the protection of research participants.
Dr. M. G. Chirisa
Member
Dr. M. G. Chirisa serves on the Council of the Medical Research Council of Zimbabwe as Member, supporting ethical governance, institutional accountability and the protection of research participants.
Dr. M. Dzobo
Member
Dr. M. Dzobo serves on the Council of the Medical Research Council of Zimbabwe as Member, supporting ethical governance, institutional accountability and the protection of research participants.
Mrs. D. Tomana
Member
Mrs. D. Tomana serves on the Council of the Medical Research Council of Zimbabwe as Member, supporting ethical governance, institutional accountability and the protection of research participants.
Dr. T. Magure
Member
Dr. T. Magure serves on the Council of the Medical Research Council of Zimbabwe as Member, supporting ethical governance, institutional accountability and the protection of research participants.
Dr. S. Karim
Member
Dr. S. Karim serves on the Council of the Medical Research Council of Zimbabwe as Member, supporting ethical governance, institutional accountability and the protection of research participants.
The Members
National Health Research Development Committee
The National Health Research Development Committee (NHRDC) is a technical committee established as a subcommittee of the Council to oversee all health research conducted in Zimbabwe. All health research performed by any individual or institution in Zimbabwe must receive approval from the NHRDC before starting. The Council or Board may further review, approve, or disapprove health research that has been approved or not approved by the NHRDC, as appropriate. Members are expected to have interest, knowledge, and experience related to conducting health research.
Prof. D. Tagwireyi
Chairperson
Prof. D. Tagwireyi serves on the Medical Research Council of Zimbabwe, contributing expertise as a Chairperson. This role supports ethical review, research governance, participant protection and the promotion of relevant, high-quality health research in Zimbabwe.
Dr N. M. Mgodi
Vice-Chairperson
Dr N. M. Mgodi serves on the Medical Research Council of Zimbabwe, contributing expertise as a Vice-Chairperson. This role supports ethical review, research governance, participant protection and the promotion of relevant, high-quality health research in Zimbabwe.
Prof. T. Kureya
Statistician
Prof. T. Kureya serves on the Medical Research Council of Zimbabwe, contributing expertise as a Statistician. This role supports ethical review, research governance, participant protection and the promotion of relevant, high-quality health research in Zimbabwe.
Dr E. Shana
Clinician
Dr E. Shana serves on the Medical Research Council of Zimbabwe, contributing expertise as a Clinician. This role supports ethical review, research governance, participant protection and the promotion of relevant, high-quality health research in Zimbabwe.
Dr R. Matchaba-Hove
Occupational Medicine Physician
Dr R. Matchaba-Hove serves on the Medical Research Council of Zimbabwe, contributing expertise as a Occupational Medicine Physician. This role supports ethical review, research governance, participant protection and the promotion of relevant, high-quality health research in Zimbabwe.
Dr T. Chawana
Research Clinician
Dr T. Chawana serves on the Medical Research Council of Zimbabwe, contributing expertise as a Research Clinician. This role supports ethical review, research governance, participant protection and the promotion of relevant, high-quality health research in Zimbabwe.
Dr M. Dzobo
Laboratory Scientist
Dr M. Dzobo serves on the Medical Research Council of Zimbabwe, contributing expertise as a Laboratory Scientist. This role supports ethical review, research governance, participant protection and the promotion of relevant, high-quality health research in Zimbabwe.
Mr L. Chirinda
Pharmacist
Mr L. Chirinda serves on the Medical Research Council of Zimbabwe, contributing expertise as a Pharmacist. This role supports ethical review, research governance, participant protection and the promotion of relevant, high-quality health research in Zimbabwe.
Mr T. Kujinga
Lawyer
Mr T. Kujinga serves on the Medical Research Council of Zimbabwe, contributing expertise as a Lawyer. This role supports ethical review, research governance, participant protection and the promotion of relevant, high-quality health research in Zimbabwe.
Dr N. Muparamoto
Social Scientist
Dr N. Muparamoto serves on the Medical Research Council of Zimbabwe, contributing expertise as a Social Scientist. This role supports ethical review, research governance, participant protection and the promotion of relevant, high-quality health research in Zimbabwe.
Dr W. Mavhu
Social Scientist
Dr W. Mavhu serves on the Medical Research Council of Zimbabwe, contributing expertise as a Social Scientist. This role supports ethical review, research governance, participant protection and the promotion of relevant, high-quality health research in Zimbabwe.
Dr C. Matyanga
Pharmacist
Dr C. Matyanga serves on the Medical Research Council of Zimbabwe, contributing expertise as a Pharmacist. This role supports ethical review, research governance, participant protection and the promotion of relevant, high-quality health research in Zimbabwe.
Dr Z. Jokomo
Social Scientist
Dr Z. Jokomo serves on the Medical Research Council of Zimbabwe, contributing expertise as a Social Scientist. This role supports ethical review, research governance, participant protection and the promotion of relevant, high-quality health research in Zimbabwe.
Dr P. Makoni
Biomedical Scientist
Dr P. Makoni serves on the Medical Research Council of Zimbabwe, contributing expertise as a Biomedical Scientist. This role supports ethical review, research governance, participant protection and the promotion of relevant, high-quality health research in Zimbabwe.
Mr T. Mudzviti
Pharmacist
Mr T. Mudzviti serves on the Medical Research Council of Zimbabwe, contributing expertise as a Pharmacist. This role supports ethical review, research governance, participant protection and the promotion of relevant, high-quality health research in Zimbabwe.
Prof. M.F. Bwakura-Dangarembizi
Paediatrician
Prof. M.F. Bwakura-Dangarembizi serves on the Medical Research Council of Zimbabwe, contributing expertise as a Paediatrician. This role supports ethical review, research governance, participant protection and the promotion of relevant, high-quality health research in Zimbabwe.
Mr Chimutimunzeve
Community Representative
Mr Chimutimunzeve serves on the Medical Research Council of Zimbabwe, contributing expertise as a Community Representative. This role supports ethical review, research governance, participant protection and the promotion of relevant, high-quality health research in Zimbabwe.
Executive Committee
The MRCZ Executive Committee is made up of the Chair, Vice Chair and two members of Council. The Executive Committee can make decisions in between Council meetings. Decisions of the Executive Committee shall be ratified by Council during the next Full Council meeting. The MRCZ Director attends Executive Committee meetings as a Non Voting Member. Committee meetings / conference calls shall be held only when and if required. Committee Chair or MRCZ Director will identify additional time requirements. Members serve for the term of office for the Council (3 years).
Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Medicines (TCAM)
The Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Medicines (TCAM) was established as a sub-committee of the Council to provide oversight on all research involving complementary/traditional medicines conducted within Zimbabwe by any individuals or institutions. All research involving complementary medicines and involving human beings is required to be reviewed and approved by TCAM before initiation. TCAM is accountable to the Council/Board. The Committee ensures that all research involving complementary medicines is conducted using high scientific, safety, and ethical standards that ensure the integrity of data as well as the safety of participants, research staff, the public, and the environment. TCAM will normally consider research proposal submissions but may also consider any matters or issues referred to it by the Board, the Ministry of Health and Child Care, professional associations for complementary and traditional medicine practitioners, and any other interested parties. Members are expected to have interest, knowledge and experience related to complementary medicines research. Members will usually be appointed for three-year terms.
Dr Nyaradzo M. Mgodi
TCAM Chair
Dr Nyaradzo M. Mgodi serves on the Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Medicines Committee of the Medical Research Council of Zimbabwe as TCAM Chair, supporting ethical and scientifically sound review of complementary and traditional medicines research.
Professor Exnevia Gomo
Vice-Chair
Professor Exnevia Gomo serves on the Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Medicines Committee of the Medical Research Council of Zimbabwe as Vice-Chair, supporting ethical and scientifically sound review of complementary and traditional medicines research.
Retired Major Mr Timothy Njekete
Member
Retired Major Mr Timothy Njekete serves on the Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Medicines Committee of the Medical Research Council of Zimbabwe as Member, supporting ethical and scientifically sound review of complementary and traditional medicines research.
Ms Jennifer Broughton
Member
Ms Jennifer Broughton serves on the Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Medicines Committee of the Medical Research Council of Zimbabwe as Member, supporting ethical and scientifically sound review of complementary and traditional medicines research.
Professor Takafira Mduluza
Member
Professor Takafira Mduluza serves on the Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Medicines Committee of the Medical Research Council of Zimbabwe as Member, supporting ethical and scientifically sound review of complementary and traditional medicines research.
Dr Karen Gurure
Member
Dr Karen Gurure serves on the Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Medicines Committee of the Medical Research Council of Zimbabwe as Member, supporting ethical and scientifically sound review of complementary and traditional medicines research.
Dr Tsitsi G Monera-Penduka
Member
Dr Tsitsi G Monera-Penduka serves on the Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Medicines Committee of the Medical Research Council of Zimbabwe as Member, supporting ethical and scientifically sound review of complementary and traditional medicines research.
Mr Onias Ndoro
Member
Mr Onias Ndoro serves on the Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Medicines Committee of the Medical Research Council of Zimbabwe as Member, supporting ethical and scientifically sound review of complementary and traditional medicines research.
Professor Collen Masimirembwa
Member
Professor Collen Masimirembwa serves on the Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Medicines Committee of the Medical Research Council of Zimbabwe as Member, supporting ethical and scientifically sound review of complementary and traditional medicines research.
Dr William Pote
Member
Dr William Pote serves on the Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Medicines Committee of the Medical Research Council of Zimbabwe as Member, supporting ethical and scientifically sound review of complementary and traditional medicines research.
Research Funding Committee
The Research Funding Committee (RFC) was formed as a subcommittee of the Council to raise research funds and manage the National Health Research Fund, along with other research funds allocated to the Committee periodically. The Research Funding Committee is tasked with developing strategies to support a robust research base across the country. Members are expected to have interest, knowledge, and experience related to research funding. Candidates are typically appointed for three-year terms.
Legal Committee
The Legal Committee (LC) shall serve as a resource to MRCZ on legal issues related to health research. The Legal Committee offers advice and support within the organization on matters with legal implications, including contracts, agreements, and quasi-legal administrative procedures. The Committee provides support and recommendations to the Council, Committees, and Director. Committee meetings and conference calls will only be held if necessary. Additional time requirements will be determined by the Committee Chair or Director.
Secretariat
The Secretariat plays a central role in coordinating and administering all MRCZ activities. It is responsible for organizing meetings by preparing agendas, distributing protocol packages, assigning reviewers, and ensuring that submissions are complete and appropriately routed for review. During meetings, the Secretariat records proceedings and facilitates orderly discussions. After meetings, it compiles and finalizes minutes, secures necessary approvals, and ensures timely communication of decisions to stakeholders. It also handles all communication between researchers and reviewers, acting as the official liaison throughout the ethical review process. Additionally, the Secretariat facilitates site monitoring and inspections to ensure compliance with approved protocols and the principles of Good Clinical Practice (GCP). It also plays a vital role in coordinating ethics training workshops and capacity-building initiatives for researchers and Institutional Review Boards (IRBs). The Secretariat maintains strict documentation standards, preserves confidentiality, and supports the smooth functioning of all ethical oversight processes in accordance with established SOPs.
Prof. Tendayi Kureya
National Executive Secretary
Ms Sithembile Ruzario
Compliance Manager
Ms Vimbai Mukwekwezeke
Research Information and Compliance Officer
Ms Natasha Tsandukwa
Research Compliance Officer
Mr Anesu Gumbo
Research Compliance Officer
Mr Lowence Gomo
IT Technician / Driver
Mr Tinashe Dube
Finance Administration Officer
Ms Media Chipfurutse
Office Assistant
Vacancies
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