1. National Research Foundation
(NRF)
In Perspective…
website -

2. Establishment of NRF NRF Act (NRF) (CSD) (FRD)
Centre for Science Development
(CSD)
for Social Sciences & Humanities
Foundation for Research Development
(FRD)
for Natural Sciences & Engineering
NRF Act
National Research Foundation
(NRF)
Established April 1999.
Line responsibility of
Department of Arts, Culture,
Science & Technology (DACST)

3. Operating Units of NRF Research Support Agency (RSA) Pretoria
Hartbeesthoek Radio
Astronomy Observatory
(HartRAO)
Krugersdorp
SA Astronomical
Observatory
(SAAO)
Sutherland
JLB Smith Institute
of Ichthyology
Grahamstown
National Accelerator
Centre (NAC)
Faure

4. Object of the NRF
“To support and promote research through funding, human resource development and the provision of the necessary research facilities
in order to facilitate the creation of knowledge, innovation and development in all fields of science and technology, including indigenous knowledge and thereby to
contribute to the improvement of the quality of life of all the people of the Republic”

5. Worrying Competitive Factors
R&D personnel: Total (per 1000 people) (1998):
Japan: (10.1)
USA: (5.9)
Singapore: (3.9)
SA: (0.7)
SA rating out of 47 countries (2000):
S&T: 45
People: 47
Overall:39
R&D investment as % of GDP (1998):
Japan: 2.9
USA: 2.7
Singapore: 1.8
SA: 0.7
Source ;World Competitiveness Yearbook 2000

6. NRF in the NSI

7. Most Relevant Functions of NRF
Promote development of HR & research capacity in S & T;
Obtain funds (locally & abroad) for research;
Promote multi-disciplinary collaboration;
Support research by awarding contracts, grants, scholarships or bursaries;
Promote technology transfer and implementation of research results;
Participate in protection of IPR;
Co-operate or enter into agreements with persons, institutions, or government, to fulfil function.

8. Core Competencies & Key Services of NRF
Raising & leveraging funds for research;
Sound financial management & accountability;
Research management & co-ordination;
Research capacity development;
IT infrastructure, including internet-enabled grant management system;
Research advocacy & science communication;
contd.

9. Core competencies - Contd.
Quality assessment & evaluation;
Monitoring impact & optimising future investments
Strategic advice;
Participating in the global arena.

10. Activities Managed by NRF
Primary Beneficiary
Funding Partner
Value -
2000
Activity
R191M
Focus areas
Grants
Bursaries
Univ & Tech researchers & students
DACST
ICE
Industry
R171M
Science Cncl researchers & students
THRIP projects
R138M
DTI
Crusader Systems
R0.1M
Special bursaries
Companies

11. NRF Focus Areas Unlocking the Future;
Distinct SA Research Opportunities;
Ecosystems and Biodiveristy;
Sustainable Livelihoods;
Economic Growth and Competitiveness;
ICT and the Information Society;
Socio-Political Impact Of Globalisation;
Indigenous Knowledge Systems;
Education for the Knowledge Era.

12. Performance Indicators for 1999/00 (values include THRIP)

13. Success Case 1 - VW Manifold
THRIP R
VW R
Gemtech R43 000
June 1998
R1,3 m invested at US
New inlet manifold for VW engines meeting stringent Chinese requirements; 10 New jobs at VW & US 3 Postgraduates produced More contracts from VW Germany 40 New jobs at Gemtech R25 million Export to China during 2000 Sustained foreign revenue ~R30 million p.a.
Manifold in engine
Internationally recognised Centre of Excellence in Automotive Engineering
March 1999

14. Research & HR Devt - Univ Stell
Case 2 - Crusader Systems
1995
1996
1999
Student in THRIP
Spin-off
growth
Crusader
1 person
Crusader
30 persons
Tiptop
Tech transfer
Bursaries
Funds
Research & HR Devt - Univ Stell
Funds
Funds
Funds
THRIP
Only SA Co specialising in system products based on AI
First innovation (FrothMaster) - being exported
monitors production process
cost saving R18M in Australian mine
won SABS design award
Crusader: R1,18M
THRIP: R2.25M

15. Case 3 - Brewing the Best Yeast culture storage technology
Students trained
1996
THRIP
R36 000
R77 000
SAB staff training
SAB
Res collaboration
Develop
Yeast culture storage technology
University Free State Lab
Tech transf
Judged as “Champion Beer” at Interntnl Awards
SAB’s Castle Lager Beer
Compete
1999

16. Developing Research Excellence at HBU
1996
Establishment of SANBI at UWC (2 people)
Discoveries
1000 new malaria genes
Progress on genes causing ulcers
RPI gene (disease causes blindness)
Unique mechanism of virulence in TB
Collaboration with top institutions world-wide
Part of Human Genome Project
First black PhDs now graduating
Training for 150+ honours students
Researchers from 17 other SA institutions
World class genomics institute with nucleus of bio-informaticists in Africa (25 people)
2000

17. Developing Res Excellence at Technikon
One Rapid Product Devt project in Lab store room (1 person)
1995
Inputs
Products Developed
Mechanical/Electronic measuring device for inertia & radius of rolling spheres
Apparatus for use with Stereolithography 250
Apparatus for use with Rapid Prototyping machine
Measuring device for reverse engineering purposes
NRF R1.77M
THRIP R5.49M
IndustryR5.49M
Other R3.84M
NRF Institutional Devt Progr
Internationally recognised Centre for Rapid Prototyping(9 persons)
8 projects at MTech level
Core of Technikon Free State Science Park
Linked to DACST-funded Technology Station
2000
Senior student setting scanning probe

18. Partnership Opportunities Partnership types from NRF:
Entrepreneurship
THRIP
Incubators
Establish CoEs
Partnership types from NRF:
Advice
Develop tools/progr
Manage
SAITIS
Tech Transfer
Industry Innovn Tools

19. Thank You