New Frontiers Research Award

The New Frontiers Research Award is a five-year research award that supports visionary early-to-mid-career researchers to build high-performance research teams and produce significant work with international recognition. The award provides a monetary value of R1.5 million per annum for five years and is intended to give recipients freedom and flexibility to pursue their research. It is open to applicants across all disciplines who will pursue research at a recognised research institution based in South Africa.

R1.5 million per annum for five years; funded support to build a research team and pursue research with flexibility and reduced bureaucratic constraints.

Early-to-mid-career researchers with a proven research track record and leadership experience who wish to pursue research at a recognised research institution based in South Africa. Research should have relevance to South Africa and regionally or globally.

Submit a concept note (open 2026-08-19 to 2026-09-30). Shortlisted candidates invited to submit a full application in early November 2026 with final submission 2027-01-31. Finalists present to a panel of judges; awardee chosen by Trustees. Applications must be submitted via the application portal.