NRF Postdocs Tap into Policy Space at AYGS Conference

The 19^th Africa Young Graduate Scholars (AYGS) Conference, held from 04 – 06 March 2025 at the University of Mpumalanga, served as a key platform for emerging scholars to engage with academics and policymakers, with the aim to contribute to Africa’s development agenda. The conference was hosted by the Africa Institute for South Africa (AISA) of the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC). The National Research Foundation (NRF), in partnership with the HSRC, held a session in conjunction with the conference, focusing on Research for Policy: Policy briefs as science-policy advice tools. The session was organised to provide selected postdoctoral Fellows of the pilot phase of the DSTI-NRF Policy Fellowship Programme to present their draft policy briefs on various topics such as graduate unemployment, higher education institutions, health and well-being, and technology and innovation.

The session was part of a joint training initiative between the HSRC and the NRF, to equip researchers with the necessary tools and training to translate their research into actionable policy insights. Following months of training and coaching on policy brief writing and communication, the Fellows showcased their policy briefs at the conference, using innovative formats such as infographics, videos and animations.

“The ability to communicate research in a policy-relevant manner is a critical skill”, says Refilwe Mashigo, Senior Specialist for Government Resources and Programmes at the NRF. “Policy briefs serve as essential instruments for influencing policy discussions, ensuring that research has a tangible impact on pressing national and global challenges. By honing these skills, Fellows not only enhance their professional growth but also contribute to the NRF and DSTI’s broader mandate of fostering research that drives socio-economic development. The Policy Fellowship pilot allowed us to identify gaps and opportunities to provide scholars and policymakers with a platform to engage on impactful, evidence-based policies, and we look forward to establishing a more robust programme that will bridge the science-for-policy gap.”

Dr. Konosoang Sobane, HSRC Chief Research Specialist and policy writing trainer, said “It was good to see the formation of emerging scholars committed to policy-engaged research. Our quest for research impact will be realised by this commitment to engage policy actors with our research.”

As the pilot phase of the Policy Fellowship Programme draws in 2025, the NRF, with the support of the DSTI, looks forward to amplifying its approach to enable postdoctoral researchers with the necessary skills to contribute meaningfully to policy development, ensuring that research funded by the DSTI and the NRF continues to inform and shape national policy frameworks.

Read more about the DSTI-NRF Postdoctoral Policy Fellowship Programme here.