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Research & Innovation

NRF-SSHRC South Africa-Canada Seed Grant for Collaborative Research Joint Initiative

Research Admin Offices:

  • ROADS

Funding Type:

Grant

Opportunity Type:

  • Grant

Value:

The SSHRC grant will support Canadian PIs advancing research and research related activities in the social sciences and humanities at up to CAD $100,000 over 2 years with a one year no-cost extension.
All projects will be supported for a minimum duration of 24 months and a maximum duration of 36 months, starting from 2026

Disciplines:

  • Faculty of Humanities
  • Faculty of Social Sciences

Sponsors:

Deadlines:

Internal Deadline:

May 25, 2026

Sponsor Deadline:

June 4, 2026

Additional Dates:

  • ROADS Intent to apply - April 30, 2026
  • First Draft due to ROADS for Content Review - May 14, 2026
  • Application Due to ROADS for Final Review - May 25, 2026
  • Call deadline for applications - May 28, 2026

Description:

This joint initiative will support collaborative research in areas of mutual interest between South Africa and Canada, while also building capacity, fostering new and existing partnerships, and developing networks and/or consortia among the Canadian and South African research communities

Additional Program Information:

  • Projects must address one of the following themes:

    • Theme 1: Just and Resilient Societies

    • Theme 2: Environmental Sustainability

    • Theme 3: Artificial Intelligence

    • Theme 4: Sustainable Growth

    • Theme 5: Mathematics Education (Canadian applicants should confirm eligibility)

Eligibility:

Canada: The Canadian PI must be affiliated with a Canadian postsecondary institution that holds institutional eligibility at the time of application and before funding can be released
    • Co-applicant eligibility: Individuals must be affiliated with an eligible postsecondary institution; not-for-profit organisation; philanthropic foundation; think tank; or municipal, territorial or provincial government
South Africa: Researchers who are full-time employees or on a fixed-term contract at any of the following institutions are eligible to apply:
    • South African universities/universities of technology. The applicants must be in possession

Application/Nomination Process:

Through a lead agency model, the South African PI will submit a single collaborative proposal on behalf of the research team on the NRF Connect System, which will undergo a review process by NRF, the lead agency.
The Canadian PI will include all material, including a budget breakdown, within the single application (Canadian PIs must ensure that the included budget justification meets the Tri-Agency Guide on Financial Administration’s eligibility regulations, and that it aligns with the eligibility requirements for the funding opportunity).
  • Email ROADS with intent to apply by: April 30th
  • First Draft Due to ROADS for Content Review: May 14 2026 (9:00am)
  • Application Due to ROADS for Final Review: May 25, 2026 (9:00am)
  • Call deadline for applications: May 28, 2026
  • Call deadlines for Designated Authorities (institution pre-screening for South African applicants): June 4, 2026

Resources:

Additional details.

Contact:

For more information on how to apply contact Nicole Fiorillo, Senior Advisor, ROADS.