NRF Institutional Visit Aims to Enhance Research Capacity at UNIVEN

On 29 July 2025, the University of Venda (UNIVEN) hosted the National Research Foundation (NRF) delegation at Research Conference Centre. This strategic institutional visit was aimed at enhancing awareness and engagement around key funding opportunities. The half-day event featured presentations on thematic research funding instruments and international grants and partnerships, including science networks, collaborative research, and innovation-driven development. The objective of this initiative is to boost research capacity, promote international collaboration, and establish a transparent pathway for researchers to secure funding and develop impactful partnerships.
In his welcome address, Prof. Jabulani Makhubele, Director of Research and Innovation at UNIVEN, set the tone for the NRF Institutional visit by urging attendees to seize the moment and make the most of the opportunities presented.
In his welcome address, Prof. Jabulani Makhubele, Director of Research and Innovation at UNIVEN, set the tone for the NRF Institutional visit by urging attendees to seize the moment and make the most of the opportunities presented. He began by stressing the importance of engaging mean-ingfully with funding prospects. Prof Makhubele emphasised the need to shift institutional culture towards proactive participation. He encouraged researchers to open their eyes wide open and promised continued support, affirming that his job is to support researchers. His message was clear: the future of research at UNIVEN depends on active engagement, collaboration, and a read-iness to grasp every opportunity.
Dr. Zolani Dyosi, NRF Senior Manager, Theme-ReSA, presented on Thematic Research Programmes, highlighting the NRF’s role in supporting research and innovation in South Africa. “We want to align our research investment to our human capital development pipeline and improve the research partnerships and collaborations in our research areas,” he said. The NRF aims to consolidate re-search investment by supporting thematic research in groups, rather than individual researchers, to solve real-world problems and align with the National Decadal Plan. “We expect researchers in chemistry to work with researchers in physics and other areas as well, to develop outputs and outcomes that will benefit a particular end user,” he added. The new framework encourages inter-disciplinary collaboration, with a focus on solving problems that benefit society and industry.
Theme-ReSA Professional Officer, Mr Katleho Ralehoko outlined the framework for research clus-ters, highlighting collaboration across departments, faculties, and disciplines. “We are moving away from the old Competitive Programme for Rated Researchers (CPRR) thinking that researchers should work in silos,” he said, noting the importance of transdisciplinary research and skills devel-opment. The clusters will promote resource sharing, research impact, and diversity, with a focus on solving real-world problems. To be eligible, research clusters must consist of members from the same institution, representing different departments, and led by an established principal investiga-tor with at least three co-investigators. “Single discipline or individual applications are not eligible,” he said, encouraging researchers to think creatively about incorporating diverse perspectives and expertise.
There was also a presentation on international grants and partnerships (IGP) funding opportuni-ties where the NRF’s Science Network and Researcher Links unit, led by Ms Valencia Mashiloane, Liaison officer, NRF. Her presentation shed light on various funding opportunities for researchers, including the Strategic Science Networks and Researcher Links programmes, aimed at “advancing scientific collaborations, knowledge sharing and research excellence in South Africa and beyond.” Meanwhile, professional Officer Mr Walter Baloyi’s presentation on international grants and part-nerships revealed opportunities for researchers to collaborate with international partners, includ-ing the BRICS programme, which is expected to open a call in November 2025, and the Japan-Africa Collaborative Research Programme, which is currently open for applications.” We are encouraging international collaboration and for you to qualify, you need at least three partners from three dif-ferent participating countries or partnering countries,” Mr Baloyi said. Lastly, Mr Themba Masiba, Professional Officer, NRF, discussed the industry-University Collaboration unit, which supports in-novative programmes and mobilises investment from industry and external funders, with oppor-
tunities available for researchers in areas such as science and engineering innovation and social impact.
On feedback and way forward, the Director of Research and Innovation at UNIVEN, Prof Jabulani Makhubele, expressed gratitude to the NRF visitors for sharing valuable information. He told them to never lose hope and interest in postgraduate students. Prof Makhubele also thanked staff mem-bers who attended the event, appreciating their presence despite their busy schedules.
Mr Marota Aphane, Postgraduate Support Officer at UNIVEN rendered a vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to the team for organising the informative event. He also thanked the researchers for their attendance, Prof Makhubele for making guests feel at home, and the programme director for ensuring a successful meeting outcome.
Mr Aphane also appreciated the National Research Foundation visitors for sharing valuable information.

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