SASUF - NRF Seed Grants for academia, Industry, Society Collaboration

The South Africa - Sweden University Forum (SASUF+) is inviting early career researchers to apply for seed funding for projects addressing societal challenges and creating measurable impact. These grants encourage partnerships between researchers and societal organisations such as local municipalities, industries, NGOs, and public agencies.

Building on earlier work, the third funded phase of South Africa - Sweden University Forum, SASUF+, launches the SASUF–NRF Seed Grants with a clear focus on academia–industry collaboration. Implemented in partnership with South Africa’s National Research Foundation (NRF), the grants support interdisciplinary research across four thematic areas: Sustainable Health; Green Transition; Migration and Urbanisation; and Democracy, Social Justice, and Indigenous Knowledge Systems.

The objectives of the SASUF-NRF Seed Grants are to:

• Contribute to scientific advancement in both countries by funding researchers’ mobility in the frame of joint research projects in specified research fields;
• Provide an opportunity for next generation and emerging researchers to cooperate in an international setting and to develop their scientific careers - support the advancement of basic and applied research; and - contribute meaningfully to research capacity development.

All projects will be supported for a maximum duration of 2 years starting from 1 September 2026. 

Funding

Researchers should ensure that all expenses are calculated and covered in line with the rules and regulations in force in each country. Funds requested should not exceed 100 000 SEK (SASUF portion) plus 160 000 ZAR (NRF portion) per consortium project. 

Instructions for application and eligibility criteria

A proposal must include participants from at least two (2) South African universities + two (2) Swedish universities and one (1) South African Organisation/ Industry Partner/NGO, OR one (1) Swedish Organisation or Industry partner to be eligible. 

More information can be found on the SASUF webpage.