Industry Engagement: NRF Formalises Partnership with Mitacs

The National Research Foundation (NRF) is pleased to announce its formal partnership with the prominent Mitacs, which will support South African and Canadian doctoral students and Postdoctoral Fellows at host-country research and industry institutions.

This initiative effectively launches the NRF’s Industry Partnership Strategy which aims to develop skilled human capability by fostering collaborative training opportunities with industry; promote joint research; and encourage a culture of collaborative networks with industry across the globe.

Through the provision of funding, training and network opportunities, the partnership will contribute in the recruitment of a high calibre of qualified postgraduate students and Postdoctoral Fellows to carry out joint internships and strengthen international research collaboration between the two countries.

“The demand for innovative solutions that respond to socio-economic challenges and opportunities prompted the need for increased collaboration between academia and industry. One of our strategic objectives is to promote globally competitive research and innovation. This partnership will play a fundamental role in securing and leveraging additional resources for higher education institutions and National Facilities, advancing technology and innovation transfer”, says NRF Chief Executive Officer, Dr Fulufhelo Nelwamondo.

“I am delighted to launch this first agreement between Mitacs and the National Research Foundation. We are proud to support the innovation ecosystem by offering a significant opportunity for PhD students and Postdoctoral Fellows for global mobility between Canada and South Africa. The connections established through this partnership will advance outcomes for both countries, while providing new opportunities for researchers,” says Dr. John Hepburn, CEO and Scientific Director, Mitacs

The programme and projects that participants partake in will be jointly funded by the NRF and Mitacs under the Mitacs suite of programmes. Both organisations will undertake the evaluation of project proposals and supplementary programme adjudication as well as the promotion of the programme to eligible universities and research institutions. The programme is the first of its kind in South Africa, with a combined investment of R15 m over three years, with leverage funding from both Mitacs and the private sector.

About Mitacs:

• Mitacs is a not-for-profit organization that fosters growth and innovation in Canada by solving business challenges with research solutions from academic institutions.
• Mitacs is funded by the Government of Canada along with the Government of Alberta, the Government of British Columbia, Research Manitoba, the Government of New Brunswick, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, the Government of Nova Scotia, the Government of Ontario, Innovation PEI, the Government of Quebec, the Government of Saskatchewan, and the Government of Yukon.

About the NRF:

The National Research Foundation (NRF) is an independent statutory body established in accordance with the National Research Foundation Act. Its mandate is to support and promote research through funding, human resource development and the provision of the necessary research facilities in order to facilitate the creation of knowledge, innovation and development in all fields of science and technology, including indigenous knowledge; supporting and promoting public awareness of, and engagement with, science; and promoting the development and maintenance of the national science system and support of Government priorities, thereby contributing to the improvement of the quality of life of all South Africans.

Website: www.nrf.ac.za | Twitter: @NRF_News | Facebook: @NRFSouthAfrica.

Media Queries:

Candice Molefe
Media & Internal Communication Manager
NRF Corporate Communications
Email: candice.molefe@nrf.ac.za