The Impact of U.S. Funding Cuts on NRF Partnerships and Resource Mobilisation

The Impact of U.S. Funding Cuts on NRF Partnerships and Resource Mobilisation

The National Research Foundation (NRF) acknowledges with concern the implications of the recent funding cuts and/or halts by the United States on global scientific collaborations, including partnerships that support research, capacity building, and innovation in South Africa and across the continent.

Over the years, the NRF has actively engaged in mutually beneficial partnerships with USA-based institutions, funding agencies, and collaborative networks to advance scientific research, knowledge exchange, and capacity development. These partnerships have played a crucial role in strengthening South Africa’s research ecosystem, the facilitation of cutting-edge discoveries, enablement of talent mobility and supported skills development. A reduction or cessation of funding from the USA threatens to disrupt ongoing projects, limit research opportunities for emerging scholars, and impact resource mobilisation efforts that support strategic scientific priorities.

Given the interconnected nature of global science, funding constraints from a key partner such as the USA could also have ripple effects on multilateral collaborations, joint research initiatives, and co-funded programs designed to address critical challenges such as climate change, public health, and technological innovation. We will monitor these developments and assess their impact on NRF partnerships.

From the Business Advancement point of view, we wish to reiterate that the NRF remains committed to:

  • Lead the diversification of funding sources for long term sustainability by strengthening engagements with international partners (including the USA), governments, private sector stakeholders, and philanthropic organisations, to ensure the sustainability of critical research programs.
  • Enhance regional and continental collaboration through the expansion of intra-African and Global South partnerships to reinforce scientific autonomy and resilience in the face of shifting geopolitical funding landscapes.
  • Advocate for science diplomacy through engagement with policymakers, funders, and diplomatic channels to emphasize the importance of sustained investment in research and innovation as a driver of global stability, development, and knowledge exchange.
  • Ensure business continuity by identifying impacted programmes and working together to explore interim solutions, such as realignment, where feasible; leveraging new funding mechanisms; and identification of strategic opportunities for co-investment.

The NRF remains committed to support and advance South Africa’s research enterprise.

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