HFSP Master Class 2024 A Unique Opportunity for Aspiring Researchers

The National Research Foundation, in partnership with the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) and the Human Frontiers Science Program (HFSP), successfully hosted the first HFSP Master Class from 27 to 29 November 2024. The class was a hands-on workshop for scientists interested in HFSP awards. The event took place simultaneously in South Africa, India (National Institute of Immunology (NII)), and the Republic of Korea (Institute of Basic Science), offering participants a rare opportunity to receive expert guidance on grant writing from various scientific perspectives.

Held at the National Research Foundation (NRF) in Pretoria, South Africa, the workshop provided practical, in-depth training on crafting competitive applications for HFSP funding. Experienced HFSP reviewers led the sessions, sharing valuable insights on what makes a strong proposal and integrating examples of HFSP-supported research projects.

The Master Class went beyond traditional presentations by focusing specifically on writing Letters of Intent for individual and joint HFSP grants. Participants were also able to join in on live-streamed sessions across all three host countries (South Africa, India and South Korea), enabling cross-cultural exchange and collaboration on grant writing strategies.

It was a transformative experience for researchers looking to elevate their funding applications and engage with the global scientific community. The HSFP offers a wide range of opportunities for South African researchers including:

• Research grants for early career researchers
• Postdoctoral Fellowships

Engaging and nurturing the global life science community through accelerator grants, masterclasses, and the Scientist4Scientist Initi