Business Advancement

The Global Research Council is an international network of leaders from science and engineering funding agencies around the world. It provides a platform for these organisations to share knowledge, exchange best practices, and strengthen collaboration in research funding. Through this global partnership, the GRC encourages countries of all sizes to work together across national borders to improve the quality and impact of scientific research.

By promoting cooperation, the GRC helps reduce unnecessary duplication of efforts; enables more efficient use of resources; and supports collective action on complex global challenges that cannot be addressed by a single country alone. The NRF maintains a strong and active partnership with the GRC and plays an important role as a representative of the Sub-Saharan African region. Through this engagement, the NRF contributes to the advancement of equitable and inclusive research funding; promotes scientific excellence; strengthens international cooperation; and supports sustainable development. Key areas of the NRF–GRC partnership include:

• Leadership and governance
• Hosting and coordination of activities
• Participation in thematic working groups

The International Science Council is a global non-governmental organisation that promotes science as a global public good and strengthens the role of science in addressing major societal challenges. It brings together more than 250 international scientific unions, associations, academies, and research organisations worldwide. Through this global network, the ISC mobilises scientific expertise to provide advice, foster collaboration, and contribute to informed decision-making on issues of global importance.

South Africa participates in the ISC through the NRF and the HSRC, which jointly serve as the national secretariat in collaboration with the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI). Through this platform, the NRF provides support to national committees and learned societies, enabling South African researchers to contribute to international scientific initiatives, strengthen global partnerships, and advance opportunities for collaboration that benefit both South Africa and the African continent. These activities are guided by a National Governing Council, which provides scientific and strategic leadership for South Africa’s engagement with the ISC. Learn more about ISC South Africa

The International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA) is an international research institute that uses systems analysis to address complex global challenges. Its research supports evidence-based policy solutions to reduce human impacts on the environment; strengthen the resilience of natural and socio-economic systems; and advance the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

South Africa joined IIASA in 2007 as a National Member Organisation. Since then, the country has developed a range of collaborative research and capacity-building initiatives supported by the NRF, the DSTI, IIASA, the British Council, and several national universities.

Through the Sub-Saharan Africa Regional Member Organisation (SSARMO), 18 African countries collaborate to strengthen regional collaboration with IIASA; develop research capacity; and apply systems analysis to tackle pressing development challenges. The NRF serves as the SSARMO secretariat, coordinating regional activities and supporting partnerships across the continent.

The Human Frontier Science Programme Organisation is an international research funding organisation established in 1989 to support high-risk, interdisciplinary research at the frontiers of the life sciences. Guided by its philosophy of “science without borders,” HFSPO funds collaborative projects that advance understanding of complex biological systems and have the potential to deliver breakthroughs in health, industry, and human well-being.

South Africa is the 16th member country and currently the only African participant in HFSPO, demonstrating the country’s commitment to supporting frontier life sciences research. Membership is coordinated through the NRF in partnership with the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC).

Through this membership, South African researchers can access collaborative research grants and postdoctoral Fellowships to work with scientists across continents and contribute to global scientific discovery and science diplomacy.

The International Continental Drilling Program is an independent international organisation that supports scientific drilling projects at geologically significant sites around the world. Its mission is to advance Earth science through the exploration of the subsurface and support research that addresses key scientific questions with strong societal relevance. The ICDP promotes international collaboration by funding scientific workshops and co-funding continental drilling projects of different scales. These initiatives enable researchers to investigate Earth’s structure, history, and processes, while contributing to a better understanding of natural hazards, climate change, and natural resources.

South Africa participates in ICDP through the NRF and is one of 21 member countries. Membership provides the South African geoscience community with opportunities for international collaboration, knowledge exchange, and access to global expertise, funding, and specialised research infrastructure.

Through this partnership, South African researchers engage in major international initiatives, including collaborative continental drilling projects and workshops that strengthen national research capacity and contribute to global Earth science knowledge.