Request for Applications: Gap Funding for Students & Equipment/Maintenance Support

The South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) plays a critical role in advancing health research, innovation, and capacity development in South Africa. Through its network of Extramural Units (EMUs), the SAMRC supports high-quality, multidisciplinary research programmes that address priority health challenges, build human capital, and contribute to national and global knowledge.

In recent months, the South African research landscape has been significantly affected by the withdrawal of funding from the United States federal government. This has created a funding gap with direct consequences for research and its related activities. Without intervention, these challenges risk undermining the progress made in health research.

The SAMRC recognises the urgent need to cushion the impact of these losses and ensure the continuity of research productivity within its Units. Therefore, the SAMRC has availed funding for EMU support in the form of Gap funding for postgraduate students (MSc, PhD) who have been directly affected by the withdrawal of US federal funding, as well as for Equipment and Maintenance Support.

Through this intervention, the SAMRC reaffirms its commitment to strengthening South Africa’s research system by protecting talent, sustaining infrastructure, and enabling research excellence. The SAMRC invites eligible EMUs to submit applications to ensure that the negative impact of the funding cuts is minimised, and that research momentum is preserved for the benefit of South Africa and beyond.

FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION

Gap Funding for Students

• Purpose: To provide interim financial support to postgraduate students (MSc, PhD) who have been directly affected by the withdrawal of US federal funding.
• Funding Amount: R30,000 per student (once-off support).
• Eligible Costs: Stipend support, tuition fees, or research-related expenses that ensure continuation of studies.

Equipment and Maintenance Support

• Purpose: To ensure that critical equipment remains functional and accessible for ongoing research activities.
• Funding Amount: Up to R100,000 per successful applicant.
• Eligible Costs: Minor equipment purchases, servicing, calibration, or repair/maintenance costs of existing essential research equipment.

APPLICATION PROCESS

• Applications must submit a motivation to the SAMRC using the template provided (motivation template).
• Each motivation must be endorsed by the EMU Director by signing the motivation;
• For Gap Funding for Students, a full CV of the applicant must be submitted which focuses on publications, presentations, academic accomplishments & awards;
• For Equipment and Maintenance Support, there must be an Indication of co-funding from the Unit or host institution.
• It is critical that applicants follow the application instructions. Conformance to the requirements in the Application Guideline is required and strictly enforced. Applications that do not comply with these instructions will be rejected and will not proceed for further review.

For more information and to apply: Request for Application.

FOR FURTHER QUERIES

Dr Refiloe Eunice Zwane
Vice President’s Office
Email: EMUApplications@mrc.ac.za
Tel: +27 12 3398576