DST-NRF Professional Development Programme 2016: Supporting Young Scientists & Professionals

Deadline: 29 April 2016

Department of Science and Technology (DST) and the National Research Foundation (NRF) has announced DST-NRF Professional Development Programme (PDP) block grant Call for 2016 in order to support the professional development of the next generation and emerging researchers.

Objectives

• To leverage innovation and research at public Research Institutions, Science Councils and National Facilities in South Africa, through the implementation of science and technology related skills development.
• To enable recently qualified Doctoral graduates and those currently engaged in Doctoral studies to gain further research experience in a Research Institution, Science Council or National Facility thereby strengthening their Curriculum Vitae and consequently improving their prospects of permanent employment in the science and technology system.
• To attract and retain young scientists and professionals of the highest caliber in order to complement senior researchers’ influence on the current science and technology research system.
• To support young scientists and professionals in basic and applied research, and to promote innovation.

Supporting Areas

• Space Science and Technology;
• Human and Social Dynamics
• Farmer to Pharma
• Energy
• Climate Change

Eligibility Criteria

• For the Doctoral Supervisors and Postdoctoral Mentors
  • Applicants must be listed as a supervisor within the block grant application
  • Applicants should ideally hold an honorary or part/time academic position at a South African public university for the full duration of the awarded grant
  • Applicants must hold a doctoral degree and have postgraduate supervision experience to host and supervise postgraduate students
  • Applicants must hold a full-time permanent position as a researcher at the host institution, or a contract position as a researcher for the full duration of the Block Grant
• For PDP Doctoral Students and Postdoctoral Fellows
  • Only bona-fide South African citizens or permanent residents may receive a PDP Doctoral Scholarship or Postdoctoral Fellowship;
  • To be awarded a PDP Doctoral Scholarship the individual must have obtained his/her Master’s degree no more than five (5) years before commencement of Doctoral studies. In the case of female candidates that are returning to postgraduate studies after a period of absence from research due to family responsibilities, this criterion may be waivered.
  • To be appointed as a PDP Postdoctoral Fellow, the individual must have obtained his/her Doctoral degree no more than five (5) years before commencement of the PDP Postdoctoral Fellowship. In the case of female candidates that are returning after a period of absence from research due to family responsibilities, this criterion may be waivered.
  • Permanent employees of public Research Institutions, Science Councils or National Facilities may not hold a PDP scholarship or fellowship.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted electronically at the NRF Online System via given website.

For more information, please visit DST-NRF PDF.