Announcement of Successful Proposals for the Global Research Council Sustainable Devlopment Goals Pilot Call
ANNOUNCEMENT OF SUCCESSFUL APPLICATIONS FOR THE DSTI-NRF SASAC DOCTORAL SCHOLARSHIPS FOR FUNDING IN 2025 ACADEMIC YEAR Read More >
ANNOUNCEMENT OF SUCCESSFUL APPLICATIONS FOR SARChI FIRST-TIME DOCTORAL SCHOLARSHIPS FOR FUNDING IN 2025 ACADEMIC YEAR Read More >
Demonstrating Impact through evidence-based stories. The NRF’s impact agenda began with NRF Vision 2030, which is developed around Transformation, Impact & Innovation, Excellence, and Sustainability (TIES). This led to the development of the NRF’s Impact Framework, which outlines how the NRF can best advance the impact of the research it funds and performs. NRF Vision 2030 Broadly defined, impact depends on the context and types of impact being assessed, with the NRF describing impact as: ‘A beneficial change in society or knowledge advancement, brought about as a direct or indirect result of the NRF’s research support interventions, whether planned or unintended, immediate or longer-term’. The NRF’s emphasis is on advancing research with impact through interventions to promote, support, identify and communicate research impact. Through effectively communicating research impact stories, the NRF seeks to demonstrate the tangible societal benefits of research and drive positive change. Societal impact includes economic, innovation, social, and environmental impacts. Impact case studies are evidence-based stories that demonstrate the contribution of research to societal change. They generally include an explanation of the societal challenge identified, the necessary research that was undertaken, and a description of the difference (impact) that the research has had on society. The NRF is putting together a collection of research impact case studies from NRF-funded, or partly funded, research. In addition, in 2024, the NRF introduced a pilot NRF Societal Impact Award. From numerous examples of societal impact, the NRF identified seven shortlisted exemplary examples of societal impact from NRF-funded research. From these seven case studies, two finalists and one winner were selected by an external panel. Impact case studies for these three examples of research impact can be found below. The DSI-NRF Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Tuberculosis (TB) Research Established to help find solutions to one of the continent’s most threatening diseases. Click here The DSI-NRF Centre of Excellence in Human Development (CoE-HumanA vital academic centre providing resources to enable researchers to collaborate across disciplines and institutions on long-term projects. Click here The DSI-NRF Centre of Excellence in Epidemiological Modelling and Analysis Epidemiological modelling on the African continent. SACEMA uses mathematical models to provide data-driven insights. Click here The DSI-NRF Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Tuberculosis (TB) Research The DSI-NRF Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Tuberculosis (TB) Research (CBTBR) was established in July 2004 to help find solutions to one of the continent’s most threatening diseases. The CBTBR aims to consolidate its already extensive regional, national and international network of collaborations and to position itself as a valuable laboratory-based resource centre to support clinical and operational structures within the broader TB research community. View Case Studies The CBTBR Research ProgrammeIts cross-disciplinary research programme has yielded a series of exceptional scientific breakthroughs on the biology of the TB bacillus, ranging from characterisation of the bacterial cell wall to translating how this affects TB diagnosis. The CBTBR advanced their research for direct patient benefit by developing methods allowing for greater recovery of TB bacteria in patient specimens. They applied the findings to enhance the diagnosis of TB in people living with HIV or extra-pulmonary TB, and to diagnosis of Covid-19. Did you know?THE RESEARCH CONDUCTED WITHIN THE SU NODE SPANS BASIC TO TRANSLATIONAL AND CLINICAL RESEARCH, LARGELY FOCUSED ON TUBERCULOSIS AND ON THE QUALITY TRAINING OF STUDENTS.Learn more Watch the societal impact award (CBTBR) session Please click the link below to watch. The DSI-NRF Centre of Excellence in Human Development (CoE-Human) The DSI-NRF Centre of Excellence in Human Development (CoE-Human) is a vital academic centre that provides resources to enable researchers to collaborate across disciplines and institutions on long-term projects. Human development involves the processes, on an individual and social level, towards fulfilment of basic needs as well as values including freedom, security, achievement, and belonging. View Case Studies Community Training Research CollaborationThe CoE-Human created an innovative community-training-research collaboration which recruited youth from Soweto (who were neither employed nor in formal education or training [NEET]) and trained them as Health Promotion Officers. These skills enabled them to work in communities, conduct basic health screenings, refer patients to local clinics, and provide health education. Among other outcomes, the intervention activated health awareness and personal wellbeing amongst the youth through health assessments and psychosocial support, and expanded community access to healthcare. March 2023 IssueCOE-HUMAN NEWSLETTERView or Download Preconception Health and CarePThe Bukhali study, now in its sixth year, aims to evaluate whether an intervention can optimise women's physical and mental health before, during, and after pregnancy. It also seeks to reinforce optimal health in children by counteracting obesity and cardiometabolic risk and improving cognitive development. This 10-year intervention spans before pregnancy, throughout pregnancy, and postnatally, aiming to positively impact the health and developmental outcomes of children. Please click the link below to watch the documentary. The South African Centre for Epidermiological Modelling and Analysis SACEMA contributes research, advice, and technical assistance to combat infections of national priority in South Africa. This includes mathematical modelling and epidemiological research on the impact of interventions against the spread tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, and sexually-transmitted infections. View Case Studies Combatting Infections of National Priority Source: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-021-85154-0 SACEMA Team
