South African National Antarctic Programme (SANAP) Funding Instrument
Forecasted
South African National Antarctic Programme (SANAP) Funding Instrument supports researchers studying Antarctica, the Southern Ocean and its islands to advance knowledge, skills and collaboration.
Funder: National Research Foundation
Due Dates (Anticipated): September 2027 (Applicant deadline) | September 2027 (Designated Authority submission)
Funding Amounts: No limit on requested funding; the framework covers a three-year research cycle
Summary: Supports natural sciences, social sciences and humanities research on Antarctica, the Southern Ocean and its islands.
Key Information: Principal investigators must hold full-time salaried employment at an NRF-recognised public research institution in South Africa.
Description
The South African National Antarctic Programme (SANAP) is a theme-based funding instrument supporting research in the Southern Ocean, including the Prince Edward Islands, Gough Island and Antarctica. The National Research Foundation’s Research Impact and Innovation Support and Advancement Directorate administers it on behalf of the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation, working with the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) and South African Polar Research Infrastructure (SAPRI).
SANAP supports internationally competitive, socially relevant research across the natural sciences, social sciences and humanities. Its objectives include advancing knowledge, theories and methods, developing high-level skills, strengthening interdisciplinary and international collaboration, and building a demographically balanced Antarctic research community. Research must align with South Africa’s STI Decadal Plan and Marine and Antarctic Research Strategy.
