The Centre reports to the DSI-NRF on 5 Key Performance Areas (KPAs) namely:
- Research (incl. publications, writing retreats to train emerging researchers to develop publications, specific research projects addressing CoE-MaSS priorities, collaborative research projects, etc.)
- Education and Training (incl. accredited short course training, non-accredited workshops and symposia, MaSS staff capacity development, etc.)
- Service rendering (incl. community engagement activities, academic citizenship in MaSS fields, etc.)
- Information brokerage (incl. science communication, technical reports for industry partners, etc.)
- Networking
As such, applications for funding must cover requests for funding in one or more of these areas. The Centre highlights that research outputs and leveraged funding (co-funding for activities obtained from other sources, e.g. your Dept/Faculty/University Research Office, industry, government, philanthropies, etc.) are additional key factors considered in determining funding application success.
Organisers of events (conferences, workshops, training activities, etc.) are reminded that the CoE-MaSS is funded by South African taxpayer funds and, as such, we have a mandate to focus on developing South African citizens and permanents residents working in the MaSS fields in the first instance. As such, the Centre funds all nationalities at our events but with the following proviso:
- Keynote/plenary attendance: At least 50% of CoE-MaSS-funded invited plenaries/keynotes at an event must be South African citizens or permanent residents, as it is important that we develop senior keynote/plenary capacity in this area within the country. Should an event have an excess of this ratio of international keynotes in attendance, the balance of international delegates outside of the 50:50 ratio would need to be funded from alternative funding sources, unless a special arrangement is made at the time of funding application for where there are extenuating circumstances (e.g. the keynotes at a conference are mandated/constituted to be international, but they would be willing to stay on before/after the conference to support South African MaSS researchers with additional activities, such as workshops/training events/mentoring/etc.).
- Emerging Researcher attendance (postgrads and postdocs): At least 75% of all CoE-MaSS-funded postgrads/postdocs must be South African citizens or permanent residents. Should an event have an excess of international postgrads/postdocs in attendance over and above this 3:1-minimum ratio, the balance of these international delegates would need to be funded from alternative funding streams. It would be the responsibility of the Local Organising Committee / delegates to source any alternative funds required.
The Centre does not fund the following:
- Article processing charges (APCs) – please follow your Institution’s processes for details
- Scholarships – please apply for funding via the NRF bursary route
- Per diem stipends – please contact the relevant host entity/institution to cover these
- Outgoing travel is only funded under VERY EXCEPTIONAL circumstances, while a strong motivation would need to be submitted with the application.
