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UCT RESEARCH REPORT '11
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funding is often
used as a measure
of the quality of research produced by an
institution. In 2011, the number of national
and international research grants and
contracts awarded to UCT continued
its upward trend, with an increase of
R121 million reflected in 2011 research
income compared to the previous year. In
the national arena, UCT continues to be
the largest recipient of NRF research grant
funding. One of the funding areas in which
UCT increased its income from the NRF was
through the Incentive Funding for Rated
Researchers Programme, highlighting
the importance of achieving NRF rating,
with its direct link to funding. The income
received for freestanding scholarships and
postdoctoral fellowships is also indicative of
the calibre of students registered at UCT for
postgraduate and postdoctoral training.
RESEARCH FUNDING
National agency funding through
research grants
At the end of 2011, UCT had a total of 491 recipients
of NRF grants across a variety of funding categories,
holding 848 grants with a cumulative value in excess
of R224 million (see
Figure 1
for grant breakdown
by funding purpose). This total can be favourably
compared to the previous year’s 399 grant recipients
holding 749 grants with a cumulative value of more than
R213 million. NRF funding to UCT was mainly allocated
from the following programmes (other than the South
African Research Chairs Initiative (SARChI) and the
Centres of Excellence):
Incentive Funding for Rated
Researchers Programme
The purpose of this programme is to provide funding
to researchers as a reward for their research track
record. Researchers with a valid NRF rating are
eligible to apply for incentive funding. In total, 302
rated researchers at UCT received incentive funding
grants in 2011, with a total value of R16,442,051. This
compares favourably with the previous year’s 267 rated
researchers holding grants with a cumulative value of
R15,564,182.
Technology and Human Resources for
Industry Programme (THRIP)
THRIP is managed by the NRF on behalf of the
Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). It is a
partnership programme that leverages industry funding
with the provision of matching government funding
for innovative research and development in South
Africa. Direct funding from THRIP for 2011 increased
to R17,827,833 as compared to the previous year’s
R13,140,305.
International Science Liaison (ISL)
UCT researchers continue to take advantage of the
funding opportunities provided by the NRF’s International
Science Liaison programme that aims to forge and
maintain strategic and intellectual alliances between
individuals, institutions and organisations in research
communities nationally and internationally, in order to
enhance South Africa’s international competitiveness.
In 2011, UCT’s ISL grants had a value in excess of
R16,442,205, as compared to the previous year’s total
of R26,433,340. The substantial drop in funding can be
attributed to the NRF posting fewer calls for applications
in both 2010 and 2011.
Figure 1
NRF funding awarded to UCT (inclusive of
2010 carry-forwards) in 2011 by funding purpose
Supporting individual
emerging researchers
2%
Recognising and
supporting excellence
6%
Supporting national
and international
collaborations
7%
Promoting industry-
related research
8%
Infrastructure
and strategic platforms
support
10%
Directly addressing
national and
strategic priorities
18%
Supporting individual
established researchers
49%
Research