DSTI-NRF Policy Fellowship Programme, Cohort 2 (24-month placements)

The National Research Foundation (NRF), in partnership with the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI), invites eligible early- and mid-career researchers to apply for the second cohort of the DSTI–NRF Policy Fellowship Programme.

The programme aims to strengthen the relationship between research and policymaking by placing researchers within designated host institutions, where they can contribute to policy development, analysis and implementation. Through these placements, Fellows will gain practical policy experience while supporting the use of research evidence to inform decision-making and address South Africa’s socio-economic and developmental challenges.

Building on the 2024 pilot programme, Cohort 2 offers a structured fellowship experience that combines a host institution placement with NRF-coordinated policy engagement, training and capacity development, including opportunities for international exposure and cross-sectoral networking.

Areas of support

The programme supports research and policy engagement across a range of thematic areas, including:

• Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) policy and governance;
• Energy, climate change and just transition;
• Digital transformation, artificial intelligence and emerging technologies;
• Urban development, local government and spatial planning;
• Health, public health and health systems;
• Agriculture, food systems and rural development;
• Environment, sustainability and natural resources;
• Social development, education and human capital;
• Public administration, governance and institutional reform; and
• International relations, science diplomacy and partnerships.

Applicants will be required to select up to three potential host institutions from the options provided in the application process. Applicants are encouraged to consider the location of their preferred hosts, as regular physical attendance may be required.

Who may apply?

This opportunity is open to early- and mid-career individuals who obtained their doctoral degree within the past 10 years.

Applicants must be South African citizens or permanent residents. In exceptional, well-justified cases, non-South African applicants may also be considered, subject to the programme’s limit of no more than 10% of all Fellowship recipients.

Applicants must also be registered or employed, on a permanent or fixed-term basis, at an NRF-recognised research institution, or be able to secure such an affiliation before taking up the grant. Eligible institutions include public universities, science councils, museums and national facilities in South Africa.

Fellowship duration and funding

Successful applicants will receive fellowship funding for a maximum period of 24 months, with an annual award value ranging from R240,000 to R320,000.

Fellows will participate in both the host institution placement and the NRF-coordinated policy engagement and capacity development programme. Successful applicants will be required to agree to defined responsibilities, deliverables, participation requirements and reporting obligations.

How to apply

Applicants must complete the application for the DSTI–NRF Policy Fellowship Programme – Cohort 2 on this link: https://forms.gle/gUDuvrmPRFeuRmbK9, and attach the required supporting documents in PDF format.

Compulsory attachments include:

• ID/Passport copy
• Proof of doctoral qualification; and
• For currently employed applicants, written confirmation from their employer or institution supporting their participation and availability to meet the fellowship’s placement, training, policy engagement and travel commitments.

Incomplete applications will not be considered. Eligible and complete applications will undergo a competitive merit review process, which may include interviews with potential host institutions.

Closing date: 17 November 2026. Late applications will not be accepted.

Prospective applicants are encouraged to consult the full programme framework and application guidelines before submitting their applications.

All queries to be directed to ScienceNetworks@nrf.ac.za