Funder: National Research Foundation
Due Dates (Anticipated): August 2027 (Research proposals) | September 2027 (Institutional Designated Authorities)
Funding Amounts: NRF funding capped at R1.5 million for up to three years
Summary: Supports collaborative basic and applied research between South Africa and Switzerland addressing the Sustainable Development Goals.
Key Information: South African PIs at Historically Advantaged Institutions must include a partner from a recognised HDI or one of South Africa’s two new universities.
Description
The National Research Foundation (NRF), in partnership with the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF), supports collaborative basic and applied research between South Africa and Switzerland through a Lead Agency Procedure. The partnership builds established research relationships, fosters new links, advances scientific knowledge and develops research capacity. Each funder finances its national component rather than transferring funds across borders.
The programme places particular importance on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), seeking innovative approaches and results that address major societal challenges. Supported activities include fieldwork, interviews, surveys, laboratory experiments, research exchanges, postdoctoral research, short-term placements and joint knowledge-sharing activities. Projects should develop emerging researchers, promote equity and redress, and strengthen institutional relationships, stakeholder engagement and public engagement with science.
