The NRF has funded local and international travel and sponsored scientific events in the form of conferences for many years. These small but effective programmes have had great impact on the research community. The intention of these programmes has always been to internationalise research, enhance networking and foster collaboration in order to improve the quality of research outputs by researchers. Research is inherently an international activity although there is much benefit to be derived from comparing local knowledge with other local systems or sharing methodologies.
One of the strategic performance goals set in the NRF Visions 2015 is to strive for an internationally competitive science, technology and innovation system. The promotion of international collaboration through travel and scientific events is a direct route to this goal. Much of this work should be built into research grants. These awards may not cover all expenses and therefore co-investment is necessary.
Co-investment should be disclosed on the application.
Types of Grants
The investment in support for travel and scientific events will be focused on two areas:
1. Travel Grants: This investment area is to be divided into a number categories:
a) Travel by researchers employed by institutions to conferences, workshops, etc. locally;
b) Travel by researchers employed by institutions to conferences, workshops, etc. abroad;
c) Invited foreign researchers;
d) Mobility grants in support of local or international travel for research or training on specific equipment not available in the applicant’s institution or in South Africa.
e) A maximum of R15000 for local conferences and a maximum of R25000 for international conferences will be permissible.
2. Events support: The support of research orientated local meetings, such as conferences, symposia and workshops.
Eligibility
All researchers who are full-time employees or on a fixed term contract at any of the following institutions are eligible to apply:
• South African universities /University of Technologies
• National research institutions such as the NRF-linked national facilities
• Museums
• Science Councils
Students and researchers from private/commercial institutions will not be allowed to
apply. However, student involvement in local events is highly encouraged
Scholarship Application Deadline: 15 February 2011
