25.01.2024
In a significant stride towards enhancing research collaboration between South Africa and the EU, MSCAdvocacy visited key South African institutions. This visit marked a crucial step in discussing current opportunities and challenges in promoting the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) programme to a wider range of researchers and scientific institutions in South Africa.
Tobias Reich, unsplash Many universities in South Africa are already active participants in the MSCA programme, contributing in a variety of ways to research and innovation. The MSCAdvocacy visit to key South African institutions, including the University of Cape Town, ENRICH in Africa, Stellenbosch University, the University of Johannesburg, and the Innovation Hub in Gauteng, aimed to build on these existing collaborations and explore new avenues for mutual research growth and development.
Teaser image: View on Cape Town, South Africa, Tobias Reich, Unsplash
Fostering a conducive environment for research and innovation
Richard Anar, MSCAdvocacy’s Country Liaison Officer for South Africa, emphasised the significance of this initiative: “By continuously raising awareness about the incredible opportunities offered by the MSCA programme, we aim to fully harness the enormous potential of research in South Africa. Our aim is to maintain close contact with policy-makers and key decision-makers in academia, the public, and private sectors. This is crucial for understanding their specific needs within the MSCA framework and for fostering a conducive environment for research and innovation.”
Throughout the visit, the team engaged in productive discussions with various stakeholders, focusing on two of MSCAdvocacy’s primary objectives: to assess trends in collaboration with local stakeholders, and to support the development of collaborative mechanisms for effective international research collaboration.
Richard Anar, MSCAdvocacy’s Country Liaison Officer for South Africa, met with Lizél Senekal, Manager: Multi-National Grants (left) at Stellenbosch University, and Puseletso Motsomane, Administrative Officer: Research Grants (right) at Stellenbosch University
Funding opportunities for South African organisations and researchers
Under Horizon 2020, the EU’s research and innovation funding programme until 2020, participants from South Africa applied very successfully in calls for proposals on collaborative projects. South Africa is also the second most successful non-EU country in terms of EU funding provided to its participants through Horizon 2020. Applicants from South Africa remain eligible for funding under Horizon Europe, the EU’s current research and innovation funding programme until 2027.
Current funding opportunities for researchers closing in February
The MSCA calls for Staff Exchanges and COFUND are still open.
Act fast to apply for COFUND as the application deadline is 8 February 2024!
Make sure to submit your application for Staff Exchanges by 28 February 2024!
Find all calls for funding in the MSCA actions here.
Background
Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
EU-South Africa Science and Technology Cooperation Agreement
Joint communique: 16th EU-South Africa Joint Science and Technology Cooperation Committee
EU-funded research projects involving South Africa
Delegation of the EU to South Africa
South African MSCA National Contact Point
European South African Science and Technology Advancement Programme (ESASTAP)
EURAXESS Africa provides support services for professional researchers, including hosting offers, PhD and postdoctoral vacancies funded by the MSCA.
Richard Anar, MSCAdvocacy’s Country Liaison Officer for South Africa, also met with Zandile Ntuli, ENRICH in Africa Center Manager
Project partners
