NRF-rating deadlines

The National Research Foundation (NRF) has announced that the closing date for the next round of rating applications is 27 February 2009. This date affects those applying for rating for the first time, and those applying to renew their rating status.

New applications

• New applications for evaluation and rating should be made online by Friday, 7 November, for internal screening. Applicants should inform the Research Office by e-mail once they have completed their draft applications.
• The Research Office will access applications from the online system and then solicit comments from experienced evaluators to help applicants improve their applications.
• Applicants will receive feedback from the Research Office in early December.
• Final submissions will be due on Monday, 16 February 2009, for onward transmission to the NRF by the Research Office.

Re-evaluation applications

• Applications for NRF re-evaluation should be made online by Monday, 26 January 2009. Applicants should inform the Research Office by e-mail once they have completed their draft applications.
• The Research Office will access applications from the online system and screen these for completeness, as well as to ensure that it meets the NRF's requirements.
• Applicants will receive feedback from the Research Office by 6 February 2009.
• Final submissions will be due on Monday, 23 February 2009, for onward transmission to the NRF by the Research Office.

Advantages of being rated

• A successful rating allows one the option of applying for incentive funding from the NRF, the amount of which is directly proportional to the researcher's rating. (This being the result of the NRF's new funding strategy whereby researchers are guaranteed funding for being rated).
• The rating is used as a national indicator of excellence and is to the advantage of your faculty and the university in terms of benchmarking.
• Apart from providing access to NRF funds, rating may assist in leveraging outside funding.

Presentation on the NRF evaluation and rating system

Researchers who are keen to apply for NRF-rating are invited to attend a presentation on the rating system on 30 September from 10:00 - 11:15 in the Mafeje Room (formerly the Senate Room), Bremner Building, Lower Campus, UCT. The presentation will be given by Mrs Joyce Olivier, Manager: Monitoring & Evaluation, NRF.

Researchers who are due for NRF re-evaluation in February 2009 are also welcome to attend.

More information on NRF ratings is available from here.

For more information and assistance, please contact the UCT Research Office: Christina Pather or x2434)