NRF Call for Applications

Southern African Systems Analysis Centre (SASAC) Doctoral Scholarships

for Research using a Systems Analysis Methodology – 2018

UCT’s internal closing date: Tuesday, 26 September 2017 at 09:00

(Please direct all queries to Robyn Udemans, )

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The Department of Science and Technology (DST) and the National Research Foundation (NRF) have taken a strategic decision to continue investing in and expanding activities in developing systems analysis. This type of research will play a pivotal role in solving global challenges and contributing to development. In collaboration with the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA) and the Newton Fund (UK) – a component of which is managed by the British Council – the NRF is pleased to announce the third call for a three-year Doctoral scholarship in any field, but with a Systems Analysis methodology and approach being applied to the research topic.

The aim of the SASAC PhD programme is to provide an opportunity for excellent young doctoral students to advance their research under the direct supervision of senior scientists from South African and UK-based research and higher education institutions (HEIs) andIIASA, and at the same time contribute to IIASA’s ongoing scientific agenda and to the research agenda set out in the DST’s strategic plan for the period 2015-2020.

AREAS OF SUPPORT

This PhD scholarship is applicable to all academic disciplines, and includes the Social Sciences, Humanities, Natural Sciences, Engineering and Technology, but with a Systems Analysis methodology and approach being applied to the research topic.

ELIGIBILITY

This Call is aimed at NEW doctoral students from South Africa and Africa who plan to pursue Doctoral studies at UCT in 2018. The call allows for applicants to register at UCT, in collaboration with their supervisor. The eligibility criteria for these bursaries are as follows:

  • UCT Supervisors must submit applications on behalf of and in consultation with their students;

If the supervisor is on contract, the contract should be for at least the duration of the funding period. If the contract is not valid for the duration of the funding, then the Research Office requires that the supervisor’s HoD writes a letter confirming that the contract will be extended, should the funding be awarded. This letter must be received before the application can be endorsed.

  • A supervisor can apply for a maximum of 2 students in this programme/call;
  • The PhD proposal must clearly be aligned to IIASA’s research programmes and DST’s research priority areas;
  • Students must be eligible to be admitted for PhD-level studies, for commencement in January 2018;
  • Provide a Masters degree certificate or an official document from the university certifying that the student has met the requirements for the Masters degree and will graduate; or
  • Proof of registration for a PhD programme should be provided by 20 March 2018 for NEW students;
  • Currently registered PhD students who will be in the first six months of a PhD programme by January 2018, will be considered;
  • Only students registered or intending to register on a full-time basis will be considered for selection;
  • The students must have the ability to work independently and to interact with other scientists;
  • Students wishing to be co-supervised by a UK HEImust provide a letter of support from a UK-based host institution indicating support of a UK co-supervisor, including a plan for co-supervision and for proposed mobility visits. Requests for support in linking with a UK HEI can be accessed here or email .

FUNDING

A maximum of 20 South African citizens and 10 African PhD students based at South African universities will be funded by this call.

  • Student: a doctoral scholarship to the amount of R110 000 per year, over a period of 3 years.
  • Supervisor and the student: fully paid expenses for participating in the applicable SASAC activities. These include where applicable: flights, travel visas, accommodation and meals which will be arranged by the management team of SASAC;
  • Students:All students will be able to apply for mobility grants for travel to attend conferences, research meetings or to meet with IIASA/ UK co-supervisors.

APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION PROCESS

Supervisors should submit applications through an online application process via

  • Register/Login using your ID/ passport number and password.
  • Go to “My Applications” and select “Create Application”.
  • Select the call for which you are applying for: SASAC Call for PhD Bursaries 2018
  • Complete all compulsory sections and the CV sections in full.
  • Please attach the required documents in PDF format:
  • South Africans: Copy of ID document or proof of permanent residence (if applicable) and certified academic transcripts
  • African students: Copy of passport and certified academic transcripts
  • Letter of Support from UK HE or research institution (for those applying for the UK co-supervised PhD opportunity)
  • Remember to submit your application on completion
  • Incomplete applications will not be considered.
  • Applications that do not meet the eligibility criteria will not be considered

No hard copies of the application can be submitted and will automatically be disqualified by the NRF.

Complete applications will go to the UCT Research Office for verification, and will be endorsed and forwarded to the NRF.Please submit your applications no later than Tuesday,26 September 2017 at 09h00if you would like your application to be internally reviewed by the Research Office.

The NRF system closes on Friday, 29September 2017 at 23h59, and no applications can be submitted after this point.

It is of utmost importance that you consult the call guide for more information: (Click the + sign next to ‘SASAC Call for PhD Bursaries 2018’ under Open Calls.)