The National Research Foundation (NRF), in partnership with South Africa’s Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI), has opened applications for the second cohort of the DSTI–NRF Policy Fellowship Programme, offering early- and mid-career researchers an opportunity to apply their research expertise to public policy development and implementation.
The programme is designed to strengthen the connection between academic research and government decision-making by placing researchers within designated host institutions. Through these placements, fellows will contribute to policy analysis, evidence-informed planning, institutional development, and solutions to South Africa’s socioeconomic and developmental challenges.
Successful applicants will receive fellowship funding for up to 24 months, with an annual award value ranging from R240,000 to R320,000. The programme also includes policy engagement, professional training, capacity development, cross-sectoral networking, and opportunities for international exposure.
Researchers interested in translating scientific knowledge into practical policy solutions are encouraged to review the eligibility requirements and prepare their applications before the closing date.
Application deadline: 17 November 2026.
Applicants should consult the official programme framework and application guidelines for the complete requirements, award conditions, and host institution options.
The DSTI–NRF Policy Fellowship Programme seeks to strengthen the use of research evidence in public policy by connecting researchers with institutions responsible for policy development, analysis, and implementation.
The second cohort builds on the programme’s 2024 pilot and offers a structured experience combining placement at a designated host institution with an NRF-coordinated programme of policy engagement and professional development.
The initiative recognises that researchers possess valuable analytical skills and subject expertise that can contribute to addressing complex public challenges. However, effective policy engagement also requires an understanding of institutional priorities, policy processes, implementation constraints, and the practical needs of decision-makers.
Through the fellowship, participants will have opportunities to develop these capabilities while contributing their research knowledge to real-world policy work.
The programme may be particularly valuable for researchers seeking to broaden their professional experience beyond traditional academic research and strengthen their ability to influence public policy.
The programme covers a wide range of research and policy priorities relevant to South Africa’s development.
Researchers working in science policy, innovation systems, research governance, and technology development can explore how scientific knowledge and innovation contribute to national development priorities.
This area includes policy challenges relating to energy systems, climate adaptation, decarbonisation, and transitions that consider employment, equity, and socioeconomic impacts.
Applicants with expertise in digital governance, artificial intelligence, emerging technologies, and digital public services may find opportunities to contribute to policy discussions concerning technology adoption and responsible innovation.
Researchers specialising in urban planning, spatial development, local governance, and public service delivery may contribute evidence to improve planning and address urban challenges.
This theme covers research relevant to health policy, public health interventions, health systems strengthening, and evidence-informed healthcare planning.
Researchers in agricultural economics, food security, rural livelihoods, and agricultural policy can explore ways to support inclusive development and more resilient food systems.
This area supports research related to environmental governance, biodiversity, sustainability, and the responsible management of natural resources.
Applicants working on education policy, social protection, skills development, and human capital may contribute evidence to improve public programmes and development outcomes.
Researchers interested in governance, institutional performance, public administration, and government reform can apply their expertise to public-sector challenges.
This theme includes international cooperation, research partnerships, science diplomacy, and the role of scientific collaboration in addressing shared challenges.
Applicants must select up to three potential host institutions from the options provided in the application process. They should consider the location of their preferred institutions because regular physical attendance may be required.
The fellowship is intended for early- and mid-career researchers who meet the programme’s qualification, nationality, and institutional affiliation requirements.
Applicants must have obtained their doctoral degree within the past 10 years.
Candidates should ensure that their doctoral qualification falls within the eligibility period specified in the official programme framework.
The programme is open primarily to South African citizens and permanent residents.
In exceptional and well-justified cases, non-South African applicants may also be considered, subject to the programme’s restriction that they constitute no more than 10% of all fellowship recipients.
International applicants should therefore review the official guidelines carefully before investing time in an application.
Applicants must be registered or employed, on a permanent or fixed-term basis, at an NRF-recognised research institution. Alternatively, they must be able to secure an eligible institutional affiliation before taking up the grant.
Eligible institutions include public universities, science councils, museums, and national facilities in South Africa.
Researchers currently employed by universities or research organisations should confirm that their institutions meet the programme’s recognition requirements.
Successful applicants will receive funding for a maximum of 24 months.
The published annual award value ranges from R240,000 to R320,000. Applicants should consult the official framework to establish the applicable funding arrangements, payment conditions, and responsibilities associated with the award.
Beyond financial support, the fellowship combines a host institution placement with structured policy engagement and capacity development coordinated by the NRF.
Participants will be expected to meet defined responsibilities, complete agreed deliverables, participate in programme activities, and fulfil reporting obligations.
The opportunity should therefore be understood as a structured professional fellowship rather than an unrestricted research grant.
The placement model offers researchers an opportunity to understand how evidence is used in policy development and implementation.
This experience can strengthen their ability to translate research findings into recommendations that respond to institutional needs and public priorities.
The fellowship’s broad thematic scope creates opportunities for engagement across disciplines, sectors, and policy areas.
Researchers may benefit from working with professionals whose expertise complements their own, helping them understand complex challenges from different perspectives.
The programme includes training, capacity development, cross-sectoral networking, and opportunities for international exposure.
These activities can support the development of skills relevant to policy analysis, research communication, stakeholder engagement, and institutional collaboration.
For researchers interested in public service and development, the fellowship offers a structured opportunity to connect scholarly expertise with practical policy needs.
The experience may also help fellows develop a clearer understanding of how research can inform government priorities and contribute to measurable public outcomes.
According to the published announcement, the compulsory supporting documents include:
Applicants must complete the online application and attach the required supporting documents in PDF format.
The NRF states that incomplete applications will not be considered. Eligible and complete applications will undergo a competitive merit review, which may include interviews with potential host institutions.
Candidates should review the full programme framework for any additional documentation requirements before submission.
Interested applicants should follow these steps:
Official application form: https://forms.gle/gUDuvrmPRFeuRmbK9
Programme information: https://nrf.ac.za/dsti-nrf-policy-fellowship-programme-cohort-2-24-month-placements/
Application deadline: 17 November 2026. Late applications will not be accepted.
For programme-related questions, applicants can contact **ScienceNetworks@nrf.ac.za**.
The DSTI–NRF Policy Fellowship Programme offers an opportunity for eligible researchers to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and public policy in South Africa.
With placements lasting up to 24 months, annual funding of R240,000 to R320,000, and structured professional development, the programme is designed to help researchers contribute to policy challenges across science, technology, climate change, health, agriculture, education, governance, and other development priorities.
The opportunity is particularly relevant to researchers who want to apply their doctoral expertise in practical policy environments while building their professional networks and understanding of public institutions.
Prospective applicants should pay close attention to the doctoral qualification window, nationality and residency provisions, institutional affiliation requirements, and compulsory supporting documents.
Deadline: 17 November 2026.
Eligible researchers are encouraged to consult the official programme framework, identify suitable host institutions, and submit complete applications before the deadline.
Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) does not take ownership or credit for the opportunities shared on this platform. All opportunities are sourced from official announcements and external sources for informational purposes only. Applicants are encouraged to verify all details, deadlines, and eligibility requirements from the official source before applying. Opportunities may be updated or changed by the providing organisations.
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