Call for Expressions of Interest: DSTI-NRF Policy Fellowship Programme

The National Research Foundation (NRF), in collaboration with the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI), invites eligible institutions to submit Expressions of Interest (EoI) to host Policy Fellows as part of Cohort 2 of the DSTI-NRF Policy Fellowship Programme.

The 24-month programme places researchers within policy environments to support policy development, analysis and implementation, while strengthening evidence-informed decision-making.  The programme will prioritise research and policy engagement in key areas including energy, climate resilience, health, digital technologies, agriculture and food security, and social development. It also aims to strengthen institutional capacity for evidence synthesis, policy analysis and data-driven decision-making.

Who can host a Policy Fellow?

Eligible host institutions include national, provincial and municipal government departments and agencies, public entities and state-owned enterprises, as well as NRF/DSTI-recognised research institutions.

Key dates

• Institutions interested in hosting a Policy Fellow are encouraged to submit their EoIs by 15 September 2026.
• Shortlisted host institutions will be notified by 25 September 2026, with the call for potential Fellows expected to launch from 7 October 2026.
• The fellowship start date will be agreed between the selected host institutions and the NRF.
• Interested institutions must use the prescribed EoI template and submit all required supporting documentation through the specified submission channel. Late or incomplete submissions will not be considered.

For more information, the EoI template and submission requirements, please visit the programme webpage.

Enquiries: ScienceNetworks@nrf.ac.za