NRF and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada sign Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen South Africa-Canada Research Collaboration

Recognising the growing importance of international research collaboration in addressing global challenges, the National Research Foundation of South Africa (NRF) and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC) are pleased to announce the formalisation of a partnership through the signature of a Memorandum of Understanding, which will provide the foundation for future collaboration in research, training and innovation.

The MoU was signed on 20 November during the South Africa–Canada Universities Network (SACUN) Workshop held at Carlton University in Ottawa, Canada. The MoU was signed on behalf of the NRF by Dr. Prudence Makhura, Executive Director: International Grants and Partnerships and Valérie La Traverse, Vice President of Corporate Affairs.

This significant milestone builds on the dynamic work of SACUN, a consortium of universities from both countries that has, in recent years, fostered collaboration among researchers, practitioners, and stakeholders across diverse disciplines. SACUN has played a pivotal role in facilitating knowledge exchange, identifying shared priorities, and nurturing the synergy between these two countries. The signature of the MoU paves the way forward for a future joint initiative to provide seed grant funding to facilitate South Africa-Canada research collaboration in areas of mutual interest, with an additional goal of capacity building and inclusivity.

The NRF–SSHRC joint call, which is expected to be published early in 2026, will support projects under several priority themes, including but not limited to:

1. Just and Resilient Societies
2. One Health
3. Environmental Sustainability
4. Artificial Intelligence.
5. Sustainable Growth

Dr Makhura has described the partnership as a significant step toward deepening research ties between South Africa and Canada. “By supporting interdisciplinary collaboration and promoting inclusive research ecosystems, NRF and SSHRC aim to contribute meaningfully to sustainable development and innovation in both countries. Critically, the programme demonstrates our commitment to support our academics as part of the drive to deepen transformation across academia.”

“The signing of this Memorandum of Understanding with the National Research Foundation of South Africa (NRF) marks a pivotal moment in strengthening the ties between the Canadian and South African research communities,” says Valérie La Traverse. “At SSHRC, we believe that tackling today’s most complex challenges requires global collaboration. This agreement is a vital first step, paving the way for future joint initiatives that will strategically support researchers in both our countries to collaborate on priority areas of mutual interest. We are incredibly excited about the potential for impactful knowledge creation and the deep, enduring partnerships this will foster.”

For media enquiries:

Bongani Nkosi
Media Relations Officer
NRF Corporate Communications
Email: b.nkosi@nrf.ac.za / Cell: +27 61 477 3064

Marie-Kim Vallée-Houde

Communications Advisor

SSHRC Communications

Email: medias@sshrc-crsh.gc.ca

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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; developing, supporting and maintaining national research facilities; 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

About SSHRC:

The Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) is the federal research funding agency that promotes and supports research and research training in the humanities and social sciences. Through grants, fellowships and scholarships, SSHRC helps Canada’s researchers do what they do best: train the next generation of talented, creative thinkers and doers; build knowledge and understanding about people, cultures and societies; and drive the innovations that address the challenges of today and tomorrow.

Website: Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council | Twitter: @SSHRC_CRSH | LinkedIn: SSHRC-CRSH