Objectives
Thuthuka is founded on the national equity and redress objectives. Specifically, the objectives of the Thuthuka funding instrument are to:
- Promote the attainment of a Doctoral qualification, by early career academics employed at South African public universities, science councils and other research institutions as recognised by the NRF
- Promote the research development of early career academics employed at South African public universities, science councils and other research institutions as recognised by the NRF
- Promote the attainment of an NRF rating by early career academics, in particular black and female researchers and persons with disabilities
- Promote the attainment of an NRF rating by academics that have not been able to realise their potential or sustain their research ability by virtue of the lack of an enabling research environment
- Promote the attainment of an NRF rating by academics that have not been able to realise their potential or sustain their research outputs due to family responsibilities
- Foster a culture of research excellence, and aid in the development and expansion of the national knowledge-based economy by boosting research outputs and human capital development
- Effect transformation in the demographic composition of the established researcher Page 7 of 35 community at public funded HEIs, science councils and other research institutions as recognised by the NRF, with respect to gender, race and persons with disabilities.
Allocation Principles
The Thuthuka funding instrument supports well-structured research projects with achievable aims and sound methodologies, which support the study’s objectives and demonstrate the prudent use of funds. The funding decisions will be guided by the following principles:
Equity and redress: In keeping with the equity and redress objectives, the Thuthuka funding instrument is based on a preferential funding model. In terms of this model, targets for supporting individuals from designated groups are set as in point 6 below
Developmental: Even though the funding instrument has a developmental focus, only quality proposals that are scientifically sound will be considered for funding
Achievability: The research proposal must be realistic, i.e. achievable in terms of the research objectives, the resources required and the projected completion times
Institutional co-funding: In order to be considered for Thuthuka funding from the NRF, the applicant’s institution must commit in writing to provide fifty 50 percent of the total awarded operational costs for all approved projects.
General Eligibility Criteria
The Thuthuka funding instrument awards are limited to academics with academic or joint academic and administrative professional appointments, at NRF recognised public universities, and researchers at Science Councils and other public research institutions as recognised by the NRF. Applicants must be employed at these institutions on a full-time permanent or full-time contractual basis. If the applicant is appointed on a full-time contractual basis, the appointment date must extend to cover the duration of the grant. Applications from Doctoral students, postdoctoral fellows, lab technicians or similar appointed by institutions for the duration of the project will not be accepted.
For full details, or to apply, see the Application Framework Document.
