Deadline: 30-Nov-2025
Applications are now open for the Harry Oppenheimer Fellowship Award to focus unambiguously on excellence and exceptional scholarship.
The Award is granted to candidates of the highest calibre to enable them to undertake a programme of cutting-edge, internationally significant work. The Award seeks to attract world-class candidates with visionary ideas based on an exceptionally well-developed grasp of a field or topic. It is intended to enable scholars based in South Africa to undertake a programme of work that will ‘build the academy’ and contribute richly to intellectual life. It aims to strengthen relationships and partnerships between local and international institutions and the Trust.
The Award carries a monetary value of R2.5 million and welcomes nominations from South African Universities, Science Councils, Research and Policy Institutes, and other institutions of similar national standing, while also allowing applications from individuals without institutional affiliations. The Trust has outlined that residents of South Africa, irrespective of age, are eligible provided they are outstanding achievers, very well established in their field, and regarded as leading scholars internationally. Candidates must present a submission describing a clearly focused and specific project that embodies a visionary idea, represents a paradigm shift in current thinking, and contributes significantly to new knowledge, while demonstrating a commitment to transferring skills and building capacity in South Africa.
Special consideration will be given to the value of the proposed work in teaching, research, and development in South Africa, its potential to push the frontiers of knowledge, its contribution to the advancement of knowledge in the service of society, and the coherence and feasibility of the proposed programme within the one-year timeframe. Proven achievements expected from candidates include competitive research funding, peer-reviewed publications in high-impact journals or books, successful supervision of graduate students, and recognition through invitations or positions on international bodies and institutions.
Written submissions must include an up-to-date curriculum vitae not exceeding six pages, a complete list of publications, a brief synopsis in lay terms of the proposed work with a written motivation, details of the proposed work programme including timeframes and budgets, and current reports from four highly placed referees of international standing. Referees will be required to submit their letters directly to the portal. Institutions nominating candidates must provide formal endorsement letters from senior leadership such as Vice Chancellors, Principals, Rectors, Chairpersons, or Chief Executives, while candidates applying independently will also need a formal letter of endorsement.
The nomination deadline is 24 September 2025, while applications close on 30 November 2025. Short-listed candidates should be available for interviews in early 2026, with awards made at the discretion of the Trustees. Funds will be disbursed in two instalments, with a progress report required at the halfway stage, followed by a reflective report and a public lecture upon completion of the programme.
For more information, visit OMT.
