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. 

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

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Prof R.B.L. Gutsire

MRCZ Board Chairperson

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Prof D. Tagwireyi

Council Member

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Dr D. Bramsen

Council Member

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Dr R.B. Matchaba-Hove

Council Member

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Dr M.G. Chirisa

Council Member

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Dr M. Dzobo

Council Member

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Mrs D. Tomana

Council Member

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Dr T. Magure

Council Member

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Dr S. Karim

Council Member

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. 

Members

  1. Dr Nyaradzo M. Mgodi (TCAM Chair)
  2. Professor Exnevia Gomo (Vice-Chair)
  3. Retired Major Mr Timothy Njekete
  4. Ms Jennifer Broughton
  5. Professor Takafira Mduluza
  6. Dr Karen Gurure
  7. Dr Tsitsi G Monera-Penduka
  8. Mr Onias Ndoro
  9. Professor Collen Masimirembwa
  10. Dr William Pote

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. 

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. 

The Members: 

  1. Dr E. Shana Chairperson                    Clinician 
  2. Prof R.B.L Gutsire (Vice- Chairperson) Immunologist 
  3. Prof T. Kureya (Executive Secretary) Statistician 
  4. Dr T. Chawana Research Clinician 
  5. Dr N.M. Mgodi Clinician/ Histopathologist 
  6. Mr L. Chirinda Pharmacist 
  7. Mr T. Kujinga            Lawyer 
  8. Dr N. Muparamoto Social Scientist
  9. Dr W. Mavhu Social Scientist 
  10. Ms C. Matyanga Pharmacist  
  11. Dr Z. Jokomo Social Scientist 
  12. Dr P. Makoni             Biomedical Scientist 
  13. Mr T. Mudzviti Pharmacist 
  14. Prof M.F. Bwakura-Dangarembizi Paediatrician 
  15. Mr Chimutimunzeve         Community Representative 
  16. Dr J. Manasa                   Laboratory scientist 

 

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. 

 

Members 

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. 

The Secretariat is comprised of: 

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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