Deadline: 30-Sep-2025
The Oppenheimer Memorial Trust New Frontiers Research Award recognizes the efforts of visionary early-to-mid-career researchers determined to build high-performance research teams and the South African academy.
The award is intended to provide researchers with the freedom and flexibility to pursue their research without bureaucratic constraints, helping them produce significant work and gain international recognition.
The award is for forward-thinking innovative individuals with a clearly defined research vision who want to build a team to perform cutting-edge research. They should be committed to collaboration and have a proven research track record combined with leadership experience. The research must have relevance not only to South Africa but also regionally or globally. Applications are encouraged from all disciplines and are open to anyone who wants to pursue research at a recognized research institution based in South Africa.
The award is a five-year commitment with a monetary value of R1.5 million per annum. Applicants must submit their application on the Oppenheimer Memorial Trust’s applications portal. No emailed documents will be accepted. Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed in person in Johannesburg in early 2025.
The application form requires details on research experience, including academic awards, scholarships, and research grants. Applicants must also provide their CV, publication history summary, and a full publication list. They are asked to list their 3-5 most significant publications and explain the one they are most proud of, as well as their three most significant conference presentations and any keynote lectures. The form also asks for information on supervision and leadership experience.
The application requires a research topic or title, a description of the applicant’s field of expertise, and a vision to expand it. Applicants must describe the benefits of their research in South Africa, Africa, and globally, as well as its impact on local communities if applicable. A detailed five-year research plan is also required, including specific aims, methodology, and timelines.
Applicants must describe their plans to build a world-class research team, including the number and types of researchers they would include. Applicants must also describe the level of commitment and support from their host institution, including the amount of time they can commit to research with the institution’s support. They should also detail any relationships they have with other institutions or centers of excellence and how they plan to leverage them. Finally, applicants must nominate three references who can attest to their work quality, leadership, and academic achievements.
For more information, visit OMT.
