The Road to GRC 2027: Charting the future of global research collaboration

As the 2025 Global Research Council (GRC) Sub-Saharan Africa Regional Meeting and Science Granting Councils Initiative (SGCI) Academic Symposium drew to a close in Bulawayo, Dr Fulufhelo Nelwamondo, CEO of the National Research Foundation (NRF) of South Africa and member of the GRC Sub-Saharan Africa Governing Board, reflected on Africa’s growing leadership in global research collaboration and called for the continent to champion Curiosity-Driven Research (CDR) as a cornerstone of scientific progress.

In his closing remarks, Dr Nelwamondo highlighted the week’s dynamic discussions on strengthening research systems, promoting equitable collaboration, and driving impact across the continent. “The ideas and partnerships forged during the regional meeting will help shape Africa’s voice in the upcoming 15th Annual Meeting of the Global Research Council (GRC), which will be co-hosted by the NRF and the German Research Foundation (DFG) in Cape Town in May 2027,” he said. “The road to GRC 2027 is an opportunity to amplify the role of the Global South in setting the global research agenda. Curiosity-driven research is essential for unlocking transformative discoveries and innovation and our collective challenge is to create enabling environments that allow curiosity to flourish in Africa and across the world.”

“The new multilateral CDR programme is currently being shaped collaboratively by African funders and the DFG, whose long-standing leadership in fundamental research provides valuable insight for the contextualization of CDR in Africa. I urge the Heads of Research Councils to rally behind this initiative by building a coherent African narrative on the importance of investing in CDR; advocating for greater government commitment and resourcing of fundamental research; and mobilising partnerships and resources to strengthen the ecosystem for CDR in Africa,” he said.

“The 2027 GRC Annual Meeting will also showcase the long-standing partnership between the NRF and the DFG which, over the years, has yielded impactful bilateral and multilateral initiatives, including joint contributions to the GRC, support for International Research Training Groups (IRTGs), and strategic collaboration through the Science Granting Councils Initiative (SGCI) in Sub-Saharan Africa. Both organisations share a deep commitment to excellence, inclusivity, and research values that will anchor our co-hosting of GRC 2027.”

As the regional meeting concluded, Dr Nelwamondo added, “The NRF is dedication to fostering a more connected and collaborative research ecosystem. The road to GRC 2027 begins here in Africa, and through partnership, inclusivity, and curiosity, we are building the foundations for a global research future that benefits all.”