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wpadmin NRF in the News May 19, 2026 The National Research Foundation (NRF) is participating in the 2026 Global Research Council (GRC) Annual Meeting, taking place in Bangkok, Thailand, from 18 to 22 May 2026. As part of the engagements at the event, Dr Ndivhuwo Luruli, Chief Strategist in the Office of the CEO, facilitated a group discussion during a side event hosted by the GRC Multilateral Engagement (MLE) Working Group. The side event, titled Multilateral Engagements: Challenges and opportunities for regional cooperation, took place on Monday, 18 May 2026. The session aimed to identify how the GRC can facilitate the involvement of diverse funding agencies in MLEs, while ensuring equitable participation in their design and implementation across all regions. Group discussions explored the priority considerations that agencies take into account when engaging in MLEs; the role of the GRC in facilitating agency participation; and the values that MLEs should promote to enable meaningful, equitable and sustainable collaboration. A clear message emerged from participants that national priorities are a critical factor in shaping engagement in MLEs. Participants also highlighted the GRC as an invaluable platform for agencies to connect, particularly through its Annual Meetings, leading to several successful multilateral collaborations among agencies. Trust was identified as the bedrock of effective MLEs, alongside essential values such as transparency, flexibility and openness. The importance of relationship-building was also underscored as a key enabler of successful and enduring multilateral partnerships. On 19 May 2026, the MLE Working Group held an internal meeting during which members discussed, among other matters, possible collaboration with external stakeholders, including individuals who are not members of a GRC participating organisation, such as academics. The meeting also considered collaboration with other GRC Working Groups to share best practices, and the way forward, including priorities between now and May 2028. The NRF’s participation in these discussions forms part of its wider engagement in the GRC as a platform for science diplomacy, peer learning and multilateral cooperation. It also supports the NRF’s broader role in strengthening South Africa’s international science engagement and contributing to more inclusive global research systems. Share on Facebook Share on X
