CFPs: Multidisciplinary Research Grant Programme (South Africa)

Deadline: 28-Feb-2026

The Competition Commission South Africa has launched the Multidisciplinary Research Grant Programme 2026 to support research that strengthens competition law enforcement in South Africa. The programme offers funding of up to R150,000 per approved proposal for doctoral students, postdoctoral researchers, academics, and experienced researchers at South African tertiary institutions. The submission deadline is 28 February 2026.

Overview of the Programme

The Multidisciplinary Research Grant Programme is an initiative of the Competition Commission South Africa.

The programme supports multidisciplinary research that informs and enhances competition law enforcement in South Africa.

The goal is to generate evidence-based research that improves regulatory effectiveness, strengthens enforcement mechanisms, and promotes fair market competition.

Multidisciplinary research in this context means integrating legal, economic, institutional, behavioral, and data-driven perspectives to address complex competition policy issues.

Purpose and Strategic Focus

The programme aims to:

• Strengthen competition law enforcement frameworks

• Improve market regulation and oversight

• Support evidence-based policy development

• Promote research aligned with South Africa’s economic transformation goals

• Enhance institutional capacity in competition regulation

The research should directly contribute to improving enforcement practices and regulatory decision-making in South Africa.

Thematic Research Areas

Proposals must directly address one or more of the following areas:

1. Competition Law Enforcement in South Africa

• Legal and constitutional frameworks

• Institutional design and regulatory governance

• Enforcement mechanisms and compliance systems

2. Market Regulation and Consumer Behaviour

• Consumer protection and market fairness

• Behavioural economics and market participation

• Impact of market structures on consumers

3. Public Interest and Competition Policy

• Public interest considerations in competition cases

• Economic inclusion and transformation

• Competition policy and socio-economic development

4. Data, Privacy, and Digital Markets

• Data regulation and competition enforcement

• Privacy concerns in competitive markets

• Digital platforms and market dominance

5. Cartel Detection and Anti-Competitive Conduct

• Detection mechanisms for collusion and cartels

• Analytical tools for enforcement

• Compliance monitoring systems

6. Impact of Mergers and Competition Dynamics

• Effects of mergers on priority sectors

• Township and rural market impacts

• Small buyer and small supplier markets

• Market concentration and economic inclusion

Applicants must clearly demonstrate how their research contributes to practical enforcement improvements.

Funding Details

• Maximum funding per approved proposal: R150,000

• Funding type: Research grant

• Purpose: Support high-quality, policy-relevant research

• Eligible costs may include research activities, data collection, analysis, and dissemination (subject to programme guidelines)

The funding is intended to strengthen competition law enforcement capacity through rigorous academic research.

Who Is Eligible?

The programme is open to researchers affiliated with South African institutions.

Eligible applicants include:

• Doctoral (PhD) students

• Post-doctoral researchers

• Academics at South African tertiary institutions

• Experienced researchers affiliated with recognized research institutions

Applicants must demonstrate:

• Institutional affiliation in South Africa

• Research expertise relevant to competition law or policy

• A proposal aligned with the specified thematic areas

Collaborative and multidisciplinary proposals are encouraged.

Why This Programme Matters

Competition law enforcement plays a critical role in:

• Preventing anti-competitive conduct

• Protecting consumers

• Promoting fair market access

• Supporting small businesses

• Advancing inclusive economic growth

This programme matters because it:

• Strengthens regulatory capacity through research

• Supports transformation of South African markets

• Encourages collaboration between academia and regulators

• Promotes data-driven competition policy

The research outcomes can influence policy reforms, merger evaluations, cartel investigations, and public interest assessments.

How to Apply: Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Review the Thematic Areas

Ensure your research idea directly addresses one or more of the listed focus areas.

Demonstrate clear alignment with competition law enforcement objectives.

Step 2: Develop a Strong Research Proposal

Your proposal should include:

1. Title and research problem statement

2. Background and literature review

3. Clear research objectives

4. Methodology (legal, economic, empirical, or mixed-method)

5. Expected outcomes and policy relevance

6. Timeline

7. Detailed budget (within R150,000 limit)

Clearly explain how the research will inform enforcement practices.

Step 3: Demonstrate Multidisciplinary Integration

Explain how different disciplines contribute, for example:

• Law and economics

• Law and data science

• Economics and behavioral research

• Policy and institutional analysis

The integration must be substantive, not superficial.

Step 4: Secure Institutional Endorsement

Ensure the proposal is submitted through or endorsed by your affiliated institution, if required.

Step 5: Submit Before the Deadline

Closing date for submissions: 28 February 2026.

Late or incomplete submissions may not be considered.

Evaluation Criteria

Applications are likely to be assessed based on:

• Relevance to competition law enforcement

• Multidisciplinary approach

• Academic rigor and feasibility

• Practical policy impact

• Budget justification

• Institutional capacity to deliver

Proposals must clearly link research findings to enforcement outcomes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Submitting proposals unrelated to competition law enforcement

• Failing to show multidisciplinary integration

• Overly theoretical proposals without policy relevance

• Weak methodology or unclear research design

• Exceeding the R150,000 funding limit

• Missing the submission deadline

Tip: Explicitly state how your research findings can be used by enforcement authorities.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who is offering the grant?

The grant is offered by the Competition Commission South Africa.

2. How much funding is available?

Up to R150,000 per approved research proposal.

3. Who can apply?

Doctoral students, postdoctoral researchers, academics, and experienced researchers affiliated with South African tertiary or research institutions.

4. What is the deadline?

The closing date for submissions is 28 February 2026.

5. Must the research be multidisciplinary?

Yes. Proposals should integrate multiple disciplines to address competition law enforcement issues.

6. Can proposals focus on digital markets and data issues?

Yes. Data, privacy, and digital competition issues are included within the thematic scope.

7. What makes a strong proposal?

A strong proposal demonstrates clear relevance to enforcement, rigorous methodology, multidisciplinary integration, and practical policy impact.

Conclusion

The Multidisciplinary Research Grant Programme 2026 by the Competition Commission South Africa provides up to R150,000 in funding to support high-quality research that strengthens competition law enforcement. By encouraging multidisciplinary, policy-relevant research, the programme aims to improve regulatory effectiveness, promote fair competition, and support inclusive economic growth in South Africa.

Eligible researchers should prepare strong, enforcement-focused proposals and submit them before 28 February 2026 to be considered for funding.

For more information, visit The Competition Commission South Africa.