The National Research Foundation (NRF) of South Africa has announced the successful conclusion of its funding call under the Belmont Forum Collaborative Research Action (CRA) initiative, selecting 10 transdisciplinary research projects led by African institutions. This effort, undertaken in partnership with the Belmont Forum, aimed to support research addressing climate change vulnerability across the continent, encouraging participatory and globally representative approaches to complex environmental challenges.
The CRA funding call was designed to fill knowledge gaps identified through scoping sessions with the research community and aligned with the African Union’s climate, environment, and sustainability priorities under Agenda 2063. Researchers across Africa were invited to submit proposals targeting three primary themes: the Water-Energy-Food-Health Nexus, Pollution, and Disaster Preparedness, Responsiveness, and Recovery. The initiative also highlighted the green and blue economy as a cross-cutting issue and encouraged education and awareness activities.
Out of 172 pre-proposals and 59 full proposals submitted globally, the 10 projects led by African researchers were selected following a rigorous review process. These projects, funded for three years, represent diverse, solutions-driven research addressing the intersections of climate, environment, and health in Africa. Dr. Nare Prudence Makhura, Executive Director of International Grants and Partnerships at the NRF, emphasized the significance of the initiative in supporting African-led research and managing complex international collaborations.
A total of €4.29 million (R86.7 million) has been committed by 14 funders, with the NRF contributing €1 million to support South African participation. The projects bring together 126 team members, including 10 African consortium leads, 29 co-principal investigators, and 87 project partners, encompassing natural scientists, social scientists, and societal partners. The teams represent 16 African countries and several international partners from Asia, Europe, North and South America, highlighting the global collaboration underpinning these transdisciplinary initiatives.
