NMMU Research Themes Grant
Information Document 2012
AIM
The NMMU Research Themes Grant (RTG) is aimed at fostering interdisciplinary research and developing
research expertise within the following NMMU Institutional Research Themes:
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Science, Mathematics and Technology Education for Society (SMTE).
Sustainable local economic development
Cyber Citizenship
Manufacturing Technology and Engineering
Nanoscale characterization and development of strategic materials
Strategic energy technologies
Sustainable human settlements
Coastal Marine and Shallow Water Ecosystems
Humanizing Pedagogies
Democratization, Conflict and Poverty
Biodiversity Conservation and Restoration
Health and Wellbeing
Earth Stewardship Science
The main purpose of the grant is to support research that is aligned to the current NMMU Institutional Research
Themes.
CRITERIA
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Faculty specific research themes are excluded from this grant.
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Individuals (permanent staff members or those on contracts of 3 years or longer), teams or theme
drivers conducting research that falls within any of the NMMU Institutional Research Themes may
apply.
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All levels of researchers may apply, from very senior to developing researchers.
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Students cannot apply directly, but limited student support (not bursaries) for conducting research may
be incorporated in the budget.
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Collaborative research will be given preference.
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Funds from the grant should not be transferred to other staff members without approval from the
Research Management Office.
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When a grant holder leaves NMMU before the completion of the project, the Senior Research &
Partnerships Manager: Department of Research Management must be informed so that a new grant
holder can be appointed.
SUPPORT CATEGORIES
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The grant is intended to fund research related costs. The following are excluded:
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Conference attendance (local and international), and student bursaries;
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Data analysis (the university offers a free Statistical Support Service);
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Purchase and maintenance of equipment (including computer equipment), software and
instruments;
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Research administration and salaries; and
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Research costs normally expected to be covered by the relevant department/faculty.
BUDGET
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The funding cycle is from April 2013 to March 2014.
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Grants will normally be capped at R50 000 per annum and the budget may only include expenditures for
one year.
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Applications for ongoing projects may be submitted for a second or third year, subject to the availability
of funding and the submission of a satisfactory progress report. However, for each year a new
application and budget must be submitted.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE
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There will only be one call per annum.
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The application form should be completed in typescript and all relevant sections should be completed
and relevant supporting documentation attached.
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A research proposal should be attached to the application.
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Applications should be electronically submitted to the Senior Research & Partnerships Manager:
Department of Research Management by the due date.
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A committee comprising of the DVC: Research & Engagement, Directors: Research Management and
Research Capacity Development and the Senior Research & Partnerships Manager, will consider
applications, whereafter applicants will be notified of the outcome. If necessary additional committee
members will be co-opted.
PROGRESS REPORT
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Successful applicants must submit a midyear report at the end of September as well as an annual
report to the Research Manager at the end of March of the following year focusing on outcomes/outputs
specified in the original application.
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Reports should focus specifically on journal articles published or submitted to accredited journals.
DATE: 17 January 2013