The UP Institute for Sustainable Malaria Control (UP ISMC) is pioneering trans-disciplinary research on innovative, safer and sustainable malaria control methods. Research is done in three clusters, each focusing on a specific aspect of malaria with cross-cutting themes within and between the clusters. Researchers in the Parasite Control cluster studies the biology of the malaria parasite and the discovery of biochemical mechanisms that can be used to block transmission. Safer physical methods of mosquito control and integrated vector management is the focus in the Vector Control cluster, with biting behaviour studies enabling researchers to determine where best to target mosquitoes. The Human Health cluster focuses on studies pertaining to human and environmental health, especially the potential health effects associated with currently used insecticides for malaria vector control, but also the education of communities in malaria endemic areas. Remote sensing through the use of satellites and modelling to study climate effects and human cross-border movement on malaria, amongst other factors, is a new venture within the Institute.

The UP ISMC is a SA MRC Collaborating Centre for malaria research.