The Department of Science & Technology (DST)
BIOINFORMATICS & FUNCTIONAL GENOMICS PROGRAMME (BFG)
Please direct all queries to Mtembukazi Sibindlana (at researchfunding@uct.ac.za; tel 650-5204).
UCT’s internal closing date: Wednesday, 27 August 2014
The aim of this funding programme is to support bioinformatics applications in biotechnology projects
in line with national priorities as set out in the South African National Biotechnology Strategy and the
DST 10 year plan.
The programme will support basic and applied research with particular emphasis on Health,
Agricultural and Industrial bio-economy. Such work should preferably be aligned with national
priorities and objectives.
The following types of research projects will be given priority:

Consortium projects that have a strong industry linkage – responsive to research skills needs
in biotechnology industry. Where an industry partner is not available, the research team must
comprise a minimum of two institutions, including emerging researchers for capacity
development.

Projects that utilise the existing infrastructure and biotechnology innovation centres and other
biotechnology initiatives (e.g. Research Chairs, COEs, etc.).

Existing projects that could be expanded – where additional research needs have arisen for
bioinformatics applications.

Projects that have strong elements of targeted bioinformatics data mining.
The following conditions are applicable:

Projects must include postgraduate training.

Projects must have potential for local beneficiation and bio-economy outcomes
ELIGIBILITY

Full-time academics employed at UCT.

Researchers must be conduct research projects aligned with the Bio-economy Strategy
research themes.
FUNDING
Projects will be supported for up to three years.
The following items are funded within the programme:

Running costs that include research materials and supplies except for wet lab costs;

Equipment like servers, hardware and computers, etc. Laptops must be linked to students or
staff;

Software developers, if essential for the project;

Technical support staff with motivation;

Specialised software, 3-G modems, etc with motivation;

Training workshops and visits to other labs for students and conference attendance; and

Bursaries may be applied for, to a maximum bursary value of:
o
R35 000 for Honours;
o
R60 000 for Masters;
o
R100 000 for PhD; and
o
R200 000 for Postdocs.
APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION PROCESS
Applications must be submitted through an online application process, via
https://nrfsubmission.nrf.ac.za.

Register / Login using your ID number and password;

Select ‘create new application’ from the list of existing calls;

Select ‘Bioinformatics and Functional Genomics Programme (BFG) Call for Applications for
Funding from 2015’;

Complete application and attach all necessary supporting documentation.
Once you click on the “final submit” button the application will be sent to UCT’s research office for
verification and endorsement to the NRF. Please submit your applications no later than Wednesday,
27 August 2014.
Please be advised that the UCT Research Office will not accept any applications submitted after
Wednesday, 27 August 2014. Late applications, therefore, will not be endorsed to the NRF for
submission.
Applicants must ensure that their CVs are updated on the NRF Submission systems at
https://nrfsubmission.nrf.ac.za, as these will be used in the assessment processes.
It is of utmost importance that you consult the Call Guide for more information:
https://nrfsubmission.nrf.ac.za/nrfmkii/ (click on the + sign next to the “Bioinformatics and Functional
Genomics Programme (BFG) Call for Applications for Funding from 2015” under Open Calls section)