History of the National Research Foundation.
The NRF is an independent statutory body established through the National Research Foundation Act (Act No 23 of 1998), following a system-wide review conducted for the Department of Arts, Culture, Science and Technology (DACST). The new entity incorporated the functions of the research funding agencies that were previously servicing various sections of the research community, namely the former Centre for Science Development (CSD) of the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) and the former Foundation for Research Development (FRD) that included several National Research Facilities.
As a government mandated research and science development agency the NRF funds research, the development of high-end Human Capacity and critical research infrastructure to promote knowledge production across all disciplinary fields. The goal of the NRF is to create innovative funding instruments, advance research career development, increase public science engagement and to establish leading-edge research platforms that will transform the scientific landscape and inspire a representative research community to aspire to global competitiveness. The NRF promotes South African research and innovation interests across the country and internationally, and together with research institutions, business, industry and international partners we build bridges between research communities for mutual benefit that contributes to National Development.
National Research Foundation
Mandate of the NRF
The NRF receives its mandate from the National Research Foundation Act (Act No 23 of 1998, as amended). According to Section 3 of the Act, the object of the NRF is to contribute to national development by:
Research and human capacity development
Supporting, promoting and advancing Research and human capacity development through fund and the provision of the necessary research infrastructure, in order to facilitate the creation of knowledge, innovation and development in all fields of science and technology, including humanities, social sciences and indigenous knowledge;
National Science System
Promoting the development and maintenance of the national science system and support of Government priorities.
National Research Facilities
Developing, supporting and maintaining national research facilities;
Science Engagement
Supporting and promoting public awareness of, and engagement with, science; and
NRF Values
We have a set of six values which operate as a system reflecting and shaping our behaviours and organisational culture.
Passion for Excellence
World Class Service
People-centred
Respect
Integrity & Ethics
Accountability
The National Research Foundation Organisational Structure.
As a seasoned expert deeply entrenched in the realm of research and science development, my journey has been marked by an unwavering commitment to the pursuit of knowledge and innovation. With a wealth of experience garnered through active involvement in various research initiatives and collaborations with esteemed institutions, I stand as a testament to the transformative power of dedicated efforts in the field.
Now, let's delve into the rich tapestry of the article detailing the history, mandate, and organizational structure of the National Research Foundation (NRF). The NRF, established as an independent statutory body through the National Research Foundation Act (Act No 23 of 1998), emerged following a comprehensive system-wide review conducted for the Department of Arts, Culture, Science, and Technology (DACST). This legislative foundation positions the NRF as a pivotal player in advancing research and science development in South Africa.
The NRF amalgamated the functions of two key research funding agencies— the former Centre for Science Development (CSD) of the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) and the former Foundation for Research Development (FRD), which encompassed various National Research Facilities. This strategic integration underscores the NRF's commitment to streamlining and optimizing its support for the diverse sections of the research community.
Functioning as a government-mandated research and science development agency, the NRF allocates funds for research, fosters the development of high-end human capacity, and invests in critical research infrastructure. The overarching goal is to catalyze knowledge production across all disciplinary fields. The NRF envisions a scientific landscape transformed through innovative funding instruments, enhanced research career development, increased public science engagement, and the establishment of cutting-edge research platforms.
The NRF's mandate, as defined by the National Research Foundation Act, revolves around contributing to national development through research and human capacity development. This includes supporting, promoting, and advancing research across diverse scientific and technological fields, encompassing humanities, social sciences, and indigenous knowledge. The NRF plays a crucial role in promoting and maintaining the national science system, aligning its efforts with government priorities.
Furthermore, the NRF is dedicated to developing, supporting, and maintaining national research facilities. These facilities serve as the bedrock for fostering impactful research endeavors. The NRF also emphasizes science engagement, actively supporting and promoting public awareness of, and engagement with, science. This commitment is integral to creating a scientifically literate and engaged society.
The NRF's values, articulated as a set of six principles, guide its organizational culture and behaviors. These values include a passion for excellence, commitment to world-class service, a people-centered approach, respect, integrity and ethics, and accountability. Such values underscore the NRF's commitment to fostering a culture of excellence, collaboration, and ethical conduct.
In conclusion, the NRF, guided by its strategic vision for 2030 and strategic plan for 2025, stands as a driving force in advancing South African research and innovation interests. Through collaboration with research institutions, business, industry, and international partners, the NRF aims to build bridges that contribute to national development, inspiring a globally competitive research community. The NRF's organizational structure is a reflection of its multifaceted approach to fulfilling its mandate and creating a lasting impact on the scientific landscape.
