Science, Technology and Innovation Minister, Professor Blade Nzimande, will address the prestigious National Research Foundation (NRF) Awards at the Sun City Resort, North West, on Thursday.

The NRF, an entity of the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI), funds research and the development of high-end human capacity and critical research infrastructure to promote knowledge production across all disciplinary fields.

This year’s event is significant as it marks 25 years of the NRF promoting research, innovation and partnerships that contribute to building an inclusive, knowledge-based society in South Africa.

The annual awards are a highlight of the academic calendar, drawing together the leading lights of local and international academia.

The ceremony recognises the scientists behind groundbreaking research conducted at South Africa’s higher education institutions.

The awards are presented in two categories, these include the special awards that recognise extraordinary contributions to the South Afr
ican knowledge base.

The finalists in this category include three DSI-NRF Centres of Excellence – Human Development, Epidemiological Modelling and Analysis, and Biomedical TB Research.

The second category is the NRF ratings-based awards, which are based on a rigorous peer review system that evaluates the research impact of nominees over the past five years.

‘Each year several researchers have their research output peer-reviewed and are given ratings by the NRF,’ a statement by the department read.

These ratings fall under the categories of A (leading international researchers), B (internationally acclaimed researchers), C (established researchers), P (prestigious awards) or Y (promising young researchers).

‘These ratings recognise these researchers’ standing in their fields as well as the world-leading nature of their work. To obtain an A rating, a researcher must be recognised by their peers as a leading international scholar in their field.’

In addition, an A-rated researcher must be based on the high
quality and high impact of their recent research output.

Meanwhile, the P rating is awarded to researchers who, based on exceptional potential demonstrated in research performance and output during doctoral and/or early post-doctoral careers, are considered likely to become future international leaders in their respective fields.

‘Researchers who have received A and P ratings will be acknowledged at the NRF Awards.’

Source: South African Government News Agency