The National Research Foundation (NRF) has announced that the closing date for the next round of rating applications is 28 February 2008. 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, 9 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 15 February. At this stage, applicants must click on the "final submit" button, after which the Research Office will receive an automatic notification of submission.

Re-evaluation applications

• Applications for NRF re-evaluation should be made online by Friday, 25 January. Applicants should inform the Research Office by email 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 8 February.
• Final submissions will be due on 22 February. At this stage, applicants must click on the "final submit" button, after which the Research Office will receive an automatic notification of submission.

Note: Should you wish to align your rating and funding cycles, you will be required to apply for project funding when the next calls for applications under the NRF's Focus Area and SANAP Programmes are opened.

General information

• The Research Office is responsible for submitting applications to the NRF, ie the NRF will not accept applications without institutional endorsement.
• The NRF does not accept incomplete or late submissions. Any submission made without sufficient information will be returned by the NRF.
• First-time applicants are welcome to contact the Research Office to establish their rating-readiness.

Advantages of being rated

• A successful rating allows one the option of applying for extended grants from the NRF (up to five years of funding as opposed to two years).
• The rating is used as an international benchmark of excellence and is useful for leveraging outside funding, apart from providing access to NRF funds.
• UCT will pay out a rating award to all those who are successfully rated for the first time or who maintain or improve on their existing rating.

For more information and assistance, please contact the UCT Research Office: Christina Pather (x2434) or Desmarie Dreyer (x2433).