Get to see 2024 NGER Symposium Experience. Held on 23 - 25 October 2024 at the Birchwood Hotel and OR Tambo Conference Centre, Boksburg, South Africa.
Click here to see everything on the 2025 NGER Symposium Experience. The 2025 symposium is expected to bring together a diverse group , featuring the next generation and emerging researchers funded by the NRF.
The aim of the symposium will be to provide the next generation and emerging researchers funded by the NRF with a platform that offers varied opportunities to network, create local and global workforce connections, exchange knowledge, share the latest groundbreaking insights on topics of interest and thought-provoking research projects in relation to the NRF’s 2030 vision Research for a Better Society and aligned to the thematic areas in the DSI decadal plan. The objectives of the symposium are to develop and support the next generation and emerging researchers through the following:
- One-stop-shop clearinghouse;
- Encouraging innovation and impact;
- Interdisciplinary collaboration and knowledge exchange;
- Mentorship;
- Providing a platform for science communication; and
- Leadership and strategic direction in research
The 2024 symposium is expected to bring together a diverse group more than 300 delegates, featuring the next generation and emerging researchers funded by the NRF; stakeholders from South African universities and across the National System of Innovation (NSI); senior NRF executives; A and B-rated NRF researchers; and industry leaders who will provide invaluable support. The target audience will be the emerging researchers, i.e. postgraduate students, postdoctoral Fellows, and other researchers in the early stages of their careers, and undergraduate students interested in postgraduate studies and/or seeking to explore research/networking opportunities.
The South African PhD Project was established in November 2007 with the intention to increase the number and diversity of South Africans holding research Doctorates. At inception, the SA PhD Project was not intended to be a funding programme but rather:
- To inspire and attract new candidates to pursue doctoral degrees;
- To demystify the doctoral studies journey;
- To create a platform for engagement between current and potential doctoral candidates with a range of stakeholders;
- To provide a web portal providing ongoing support and information;
- To establish partnerships for Doctoral training in South Africa and abroad; and
- To mobilise financial resources for bursaries and scholarships.
The SA PhD Project was established as one of the drivers for achieving the long-term objective of the Department of Science and Technology (DST) and the NRF to substantially increase the number of Doctoral graduates in support of the National Development plan 2030. This supports the NRF Vision 2030 of Excellence: The foundation that sets the standard to uphold excellence through investing in quality research, capable researchers and postgraduate students.
The Next Generation and Emerging Researchers Symposium, hosted by the National Research Foundation (NRF) in South Africa, offers a valuable platform for postgraduate students and emerging researchers to advance their careers and connect with the broader research community. Here's why you should consider attending:
- Connect with peers: Meet fellow researchers from diverse fields, fostering potential collaborations and expanding your professional network.
- Engage with experts: Interact with established researchers, mentors, and NRF representatives, gaining insights and guidance for your research journey.
- Enhance research skills: Participate in workshops and seminars focused on grant writing, publication strategies, research ethics, and science communication.
- Develop critical thinking: Engage in discussions and debates, refining your ability to analyse and evaluate research.
- Showcase your work: Present your research findings through oral presentations or poster sessions, gaining visibility and recognition within the research community.
- Explore funding opportunities: Learn about funding schemes and support programs offered by the NRF, potentially securing financial assistance for your research.
- Stay updated on research trends: Attend keynote speeches and presentations by leading researchers, keeping abreast of the latest advancements in various fields.
- Cross-disciplinary exposure: Gain insights into research beyond your specialization, fostering interdisciplinary thinking and potential collaborations.
- Contribute to national research goals: Align your research with the NRF's strategic direction, contributing to addressing national challenges and priorities.
- Become part of the research community: Engage with the broader research ecosystem, contributing to the advancement of knowledge and innovation in South Africa.
If you're a postgraduate student or emerging researcher in South Africa, attending the Next Generation and Emerging Researchers Symposium can be a significant step in your professional development and research career.
- One-stop-shop clearing house: Providing a central platform for researchers to access resources, training, and mentorship opportunities.
- Encouraging innovation and impact: Fostering a culture of innovation and promoting the translation of research findings into real-world applications.
- Interdisciplinary collaboration and knowledge exchange: Facilitating collaboration between researchers from different disciplines to address complex challenges and promote interdisciplinary research.
- Mentorship: Providing mentorship and guidance to emerging researchers, helping them to develop their research skills and build their careers.
- Providing a platform for science communication: Enhancing the communication skills of researchers and promoting public engagement with research.
- Leadership and strategic direction in research: Developing the leadership skills of emerging researchers and aligning their research with the strategic priorities of the NRF.
- Improving research skills
- Authorship ethics
- Maximizing research productivity
Overall, the symposium aims to empower the next generation of researchers, foster collaboration and knowledge exchange, and promote research excellence in South Africa.