Calls for SARChI Research Chairs
It is important for South Africa to increase the number of highly skilled individuals – particularly in science, engineering, and technology – to achieve the goal of “an equitable, sustainable, and inclusive growth path that brings decent work and sustainable livelihoods, education, health, safe and secure communities, and rural development”.
In 2006, the Department of Science and Technology established the South African Research Chairs Initiative (SARChI). Managed by the NRF, this funding instrument is a strategic intervention of the South African government designed to attract and retain excellence in research and innovation at South African universities.
The SARChI Research Chairs are aimed at
- increasing scientific research capacity through the development of human capacity;
- stimulating the generation of new knowledge;
- supporting the realisation of South Africa’s transformation into a knowledge economy in which the generation of knowledge translates into socio-economic benefits; and
- significantly expanding the scientific research base of South Africa in a way that supports implementation of the national research and development policies.
Access more information about the NRF SARChI Research Chairs here, including:
- Funding
- List of Research Chairs
- Documents
The UFS has five tier-1 SARChI research chairs and one tier-2 SARChI research chair. These include:
Prof Hendrik Swart Physics First cycle: 2013-2017 Second cycle: 2018-2022 Third cycle: 2023-2027 | TIER 1 Solid State Luminescent and Advanced Materials |
Prof Melanie Walker First cycle: 2013-2017 Second cycle: 2018-2022 Third cycle: 2023-2027 | TIER 1 Higher Education and Human Development |
Prof Maryke Labuschagne Plant Science First cycle: 2016-2020 Second cycle: 2021-2025
| TIER 1 Disease Resistance and Quality in Field Crops |
Prof Felicity Burt Division of Virology First cycle: 2016-2020 Second cycle: 2021-2025 | TIER 1 Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Pathogens |
Prof Carolina Pohl-Albertyn Microbial Biochemical and Food Biotechnology First cycle: 2018-2023 Second cycle: 2024-2028 | TIER 2
Pathogenic Yeasts |
Prof Ivan Turok NRF/SA Cities Network Research Chair Economics First cycle: 2020-2024 | TIER 1
Strengthening Urban Economies: People, Place, Production and Policy |
Contact me
Eleanor van der Westhuizen
Assistant Director: Grants Management
T: +27 51 401 7077
E: VdwestHD@ufs.ac.za
Johannes Brill Building, First Floor, Bloemfontein Campus