SAMRC Bursary Programme

by

SAMRC Early Investigators Programme

Overview

The South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) Division of Research Capacity Development (RCD) invites applications from early investigators in health and medical research. The SAMRC Early Investigators Programme aims to support South African academic institutions in nurturing future health research leaders. This programme provides an excellent opportunity for early-career scientists to establish their own research teams and transition to mid-career scientists and independent researchers.

Apply For Latest Bursaries Here

Aim of the Award

The SAMRC’s Division of RCD aims to enhance the long-term sustainability of health research in South Africa by funding promising early-career scientists. The Early Investigators Programme is a career development intervention designed to:

  1. Support the career development of South African scientists at the end of their early postdoctoral stage (3-5 years post-PhD).
  2. Facilitate their transition to mid-career scientists.
  3. Foster retention in the public sector in areas of strategic interest to the National Department of Health (NDoH) and the SAMRC.

Funded investigators are expected to:

  • Strengthen their leadership skills.
  • Increase their research outputs and management skills.
  • Train and graduate research students.
  • Attract further funding to grow their own research programmes.

Research Priority Areas

The 2024 Request for Applications seeks scientists in the following priority research areas:

  • Non-Communicable Diseases
  • Brain, Behaviour, and Mental Health
  • Climate Change, Environmental Health, and Occupational Health
  • Communicable Diseases (e.g., HIV, TB, and other infectious diseases)
  • Health Systems Strengthening (e.g., Health Economics, NHI)
  • Maternal and Child Health
  • Violence and Injury
  • Public Health Innovation (e.g., Genomics and Bioinformatics, Digital Health)
  • Vaccines, Diagnostics, and Drug Discovery (including African Traditional Medicines)

Research projects contributing to SAMRC’s mandate with potential public health impact will receive preference.

Value and Period of the Award

  • Award Value: Up to R500,000 per year for three years, subject to satisfactory performance and availability of funds.
  • Funding Breakdown: R200,000 for research expenses and R300,000 towards the awardee’s salary.
  • Payment: Linked to clear milestones and deliverables.

Conditions of the Award

  • The grant must be used for research purposes as per the agreed budget.
  • A formal letter from the institution must be included in the application, confirming:
    • Appointment of the applicant as a researcher.
    • Funding of the applicant’s research project running expenses.
    • Provision of infrastructure support for the applicant.
  • The grant is conditional upon making a measurable contribution to SAMRC and NDoH objectives.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Citizenship: Only South African citizens and permanent residents may apply.
  • Qualifications: Applicants must have a research doctorate in health/medical research with 3 to 5 years of postdoctoral research experience, or at least one year of post-PhD research experience for clinician-scientists.
  • Age: Applicants must be younger than 45 years; those over 45 require strong institutional motivation.
  • Institutional Affiliation: Applicants must be affiliated with a recognized academic or health research institution or have secured a commitment from such an institution.
  • Exclusions: The award may not be held concurrently with another SAMRC capacity development grant or if the applicant is a full-time employee of SAMRC Intramural Research Units.

Selection Process

  • Applications are subject to a peer-review process.
  • The Grant Selection Committee will assess and score applications based on standard criteria.
  • Academic merit and scientific quality of the proposed research are prioritized.
  • Encouragement is given to black and women early-career scientists, and applicants from resource-limited institutions.

Application Process

  • Submission: Complete the Online Application and submit the Application form, Milestone table, Budget form, and Reviewers nomination form with supporting documents to RCD Grants Administration at RCDgrants.applications@mrc.ac.za.
  • Documents Required:
    • Application form with full research proposal and annexures.
    • Applicant motivation letter.
    • CV with complete publication list.
    • Contact details of two confidential referees.
    • Supporting letter from the hosting institution with written commitment for infrastructure and research support.

Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA)

By submitting the application and supporting documents, you consent to SAMRC processing personal information in accordance with the Protection of Personal Information Act, Act No 4 of 2013 (as amended).

Deadline

  • Submission Deadline: 20 September 2024, 23:59
  • Outcome Notification: Before 15 December 2024

Enquiries

Contact Dr Frederic Nduhirabandi at frederic.nduhirabandi@mrc.ac.za or +27 21 938 0461 for further information.

Click Here to View SAMRC Bursary