Research Chairs and Centres of Excellence (RCCE)

The Research Chairs and Centres of Excellence (RCCE) directorate brings together two strategic investments of the South African government, namely, the South African Research Chairs Initiative (SARChI) and the Centres of Excellence (CoEs). These funding instruments have a long-term investment trajectory and are designed to significantly expand the scientific research and innovation base of South Africa in a way that supports implementation of the National Research and Development Strategy. In this regard, South Africa must produce a greater number of highly skilled individuals; particularly in Science, Engineering, Technology and Mathematics (STEM), to achieve the goal of “an equitable, sustainable, and inclusive growth path that brings decent work and sustainable livelihoods, education, health, safe and secure communities, and rural development”. Both the CoEs and SARChI are key drivers, within public research institutions, that aspire to contribute to the realisation of South Africa’s transformation into a globally competitive, knowledge-based economy in which the generation of knowledge translates into socio-economic benefits.