NRF hosts Sir John Edmunds, Chief Scientific Adviser for the FCDO

On 25 September 2025, the National Research Foundation, led by its CEO Dr Fulufhelo Nelwamondo, hosted Sir John Edmunds, Chief Scientific Adviser for the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). The purpose of the meeting was to share insights and strengthen collaboration in joint science, technology, and innovation (STI) initiatives.

Collaborative programmes discussed included current joint research infrastructure projects, such as the Square Kilometre Array (SKA), as well as research infrastructure exchange programmes and research programmes. The NRF also shared its strategic drive towards enhancing pandemic preparedness.

Emphasising the importance of the partnership, Dr Nelwamondo said, “our collaboration is about doing things better, aligning on strategic infrastructure, regional collaboration through the SGCI, and doctoral training so that advances in pandemic preparedness, climate and data-intensive science translate into real societal impact.”

In response, Sir John acknowledged the context of increasing financial constraints and highlighted the need for strategic and focused programming within the partnership.

Both parties agreed on the necessity to continue strengthening the joint research ecosystem. Key areas identified for continued support included strategic infrastructure programmes, regional collaboration through the SGCI, low-hanging mobility programmes, and the ongoing positioning of the Presidential PhD Initiative.

The UK remains one of South Africa’s leading research collaborators, a relationship formalised by a bilateral Science and Technology Agreement signed in 1995. This long-standing partnership has fostered a rich history of academic and research cooperation at both individual and institutional levels. The FCDO is also a founding funding partner of the Science Granting Councils Initiative (SGCI), alongside the NRF, and Canada’s International Development Research Centre (IDRC).