Frequently Asked Questions: NRF funding

1. Who is the contact person for NRF-related researcher funding opportunities at the university?

Thabi Mosoetsa is the NRF Grants Coordinator at the University of the Free State (UFS), responsible for supporting researchers with funding applications, NRF-rating processes, proposal submissions, and research grant administration. She is also responsible for managing or advising on local and international research funding opportunities.

2. Where else can researchers obtain support for their NRF grant applications?

Researchers at the university can receive support from the Directorate Research Development (DRD), the Centre for Postgraduate Support (CGS), and institutional grant support programmes such as the Future Professoriate Programme, Emerging Scholar Accelerator Programme (ESAP), Staff Doctoral Programme (SDP), and the Women Influencing and Shaping Education (WISE) programme. Senior academics and research mentors also play an important role in guiding researchers through the NRF application process.

3. When do NRF calls for proposals open?

The call for proposals opens annually in February until April. Prospective applicants are encouraged to visit the DRD website under announcements for institutional internal deadlines. Available funding opportunities can be found here.

All applications should be submitted on the NRF Connect system.

4. Who should submit applications for NRF funding?

Researchers applying for NRF funding, competitive grants, or NRF-rating evaluations are generally required to apply via the NRF system. This includes emerging researchers, established academics, postdoctoral fellows for NRF-linked opportunities, and academic staff members involved in active research at the University of the Free State.

5. What documents are typically included when applying for NRF funding?

 A complete researcher profile must include the following:

•  Updated academic NRF Connect CV
• Full publication record
• Evidence of citations and research impact
• Record of postgraduate supervision
• Conference presentations and keynote addresses
• Research grants and funded projects (if available)
• Community engagement and knowledge transfer activities
• Research niche statement
• ORCID and researcher profiles

6. How often should researchers update their NRF Connect profiles?

Researchers should update their NRF Connect CVs regularly to ensure that all academic achievements and outputs are accurately reflected. Profiles should especially be updated after publishing new research, presenting at conferences, completing postgraduate supervision, or receiving grants and awards.

7. How important are publications when it comes to NRF funding?

Publications are central to the evaluation process. Peer-reviewed journal articles, books, book chapters, conference proceedings, and creative research outputs are assessed for quality, originality, and impact.

8. What types of publications are most valued by the NRF?

The NRF places significant value on peer-reviewed journal articles, scholarly books, book chapters, and accredited conference proceedings. Publications in internationally recognised journals are particularly important, because they demonstrate broader scholarly impact and visibility within the global research community.

9. Does community engagement contribute to NRF evaluations?

Yes. The NRF is increasingly recognising community engagement and socially responsive research as important aspects of academic scholarship. Researchers who demonstrate that their work contributes to societal development, public policy, or community advancement may strengthen the overall impact of their grant applications.

10. How important is research collaboration?

 Research collaboration demonstrates a researcher’s ability to work within national and international scholarly networks. Collaborative projects often increase research visibility, interdisciplinary engagement, and access to funding opportunities, all of which contribute positively to NRF evaluations.

Prospective applicants are encouraged to contact the UFS Directorate for International Partnerships and Relations for assistance in identifying international partners.

W: https://www.ufs.ac.za/international

11. Why is the NRF rating system important for researchers?

The NRF rating system is important because it recognises the quality, impact, and international standing of a researcher’s work through a peer-review process. A strong NRF rating enhances a researcher’s academic reputation, increases opportunities for funding, and contributes to the overall research profile of the institution. Click her for more information.

12. How can researchers demonstrate research impact in their career profiles?

Researchers can demonstrate impact by including citation metrics, evidence of policy influence, international collaborations, keynote presentations, patents, innovation outputs, and examples of how their research has contributed to society or industry. Demonstrating that research extends beyond publication is becoming increasingly important in NRF evaluations.

13. Does the NRF consider postgraduate supervision experience?

Yes. Successful supervision of master’s and PhD students is an important indicator of research leadership and capacity development.

Tips from the NRF Grants Coordinator

Please refer to the tips below on how one can build a strong academic profile for funding applications:

• Publish consistently in accredited journals
• Build international collaborations
• Increase citation visibility – the UFS Library Services can assist with this
• Supervise postgraduate students
• Participate in interdisciplinary, transdisciplinary, and multidisciplinary research
• Apply for competitive grants –  including international grants
• Engage in scholarly networks and conferences – contact DRD for available funding opportunities

For more information, please contact the Directorate Research Development: