South Africa / Germany Joint Science and Technology Research (Call for Thematic Cooperation Proposal 2014-16)

South Africa-Germany Joint Science and Technology Research

Course(s) Offered: Science, Technology
Course Level: Graduate research
Provider: Govts of S/Africa and Germany
Country to Study in: South Africa, Germany

Scholarship Description
The bilateral agreement on science and technology (S&T) cooperation between South Africa and Germany was signed in 1996. It is administered by the S/Africa's National Research Foundation and Germany's Federal Ministry of Education and Research, BMBF.

The funding measures for the South Africa-Germany Joint Science and Technology Research take place within the framework of both Government’s internationalisation strategies.

The measures are intended to further intensify Science and Technology collaboration and in particular, to encourage reciprocal exchanges of young scientists. It is also intended to expand on existing collaborations and to establish new contacts or collaborative projects.

The aim is to stimulate intense, long-term cooperation between South African and German partners. In the case of joint projects, particular value is placed on the scientific excellence of the South African and German partners.

Eligibility
This call is open to working researchers residing in South Africa and affiliated with a recognised higher education or research institution such as a university, university of technology or science council.

An application must designate two principal investigators, one in South Africa and one in Germany, who will bear the main responsibility for the project, including its technical and administrative coordination as well as scientific and financial reporting. The South African applicant must be in possession of at least a master’s degree (preferably a PhD).

Commercial institutions and private education institutions are not eligible to apply under this programme.

Eligible groups
Citizens of ANY country working and residing in South Africa

Participating Institutions
Recognized higher education or research institutions in S/Africa or Germany

Fields of study
Joint research proposals may be submitted in:

• Biotechnology for bio economy and health
• Natural Resources (sustainable management and production)
• Astronomy.

In terms of human capital development, South African applications from previously disadvantaged researchers are encouraged, as is the involvement of historically disadvantaged higher education institutions.

Number of awards
Not specified by sponsor

Sponsorship duration
The projects will be supported for three years from 2014 to 2016

Scholarship benefits
While NRF funding levels are not fixed the total amount of funding requested should preferably not exceed R600 000. Funding will be made available for a maximum of three years, to be paid in annual installments (R200 000 per year).

Note that a commitment to both scientific and financial reporting on the project following its completion is an obligatory condition of funding. No reciprocal visits of a shorter duration of less than 15 days or a longer duration of more than 3 months will be funded.

Method of Application
Applications must be submitted through an online application process to the National Research Foundation (NRF) by accessing the link: https://nrfsubmission.nrf.ac.za/.

No hard copies will be accepted and will automatically be disqualified by the NRF. Only applications endorsed by the research office or its equivalent at higher education or research institutions will be accepted.

It is very important to visit the official website (link to it is below) so as to download and read the 2014-16 Call guidelines for detailed information on this award and application procedures.

DEADLINES:
Applications for both South Africa and Germany must be submitted by 14 March 2014. Applications received after this date will not be considered for funding.

PLEASE NOTE:
The onus is on the applicant to find their own research partner. Proposals must be received in both South Africa and Germany. Proposals which have only been received in either South Africa or Germany, but not both, will not be considered for funding.

The call process is highly competitive; therefore submission of an application does not guarantee funding. The availability of funds and the evaluation of applications from both countries should be positive for them to be considered for funding. The NRF will not be held responsible for non-submission, administration or evaluation of the application in the partner country.

The bilateral agreement on science and technology (S&T) cooperation between South Africa and Germany was signed in 1996. Since then, the two countries have successfully launched calls for proposals, given further important momentum by the joint South African - German Year of Science 2012/2013.

Application Deadline: 14 March 2014
Open to International Applicants: Yes

More Scholarship Information and Application

Related: List of Scholarships in Germany for International Students