The KFD Directorate supports Knowledge Fields Development by way of:
1. Investigating/ analysing/ addressing research trends/ gaps;
2. Promoting interaction between researchers;
3. Strengthening scientific / professional organisations;
4. Strengthening networks within / beyond the South African research community

The KFD Directorate does NOT support Knowledge Fields Development by way of:
1. Providing support for traditional research projects;
2. Providing support for research projects that are / could be supported by way of other NRF funding mechanisms
3. Supporting Masters or PhD studies;
4. Providing Masters or PhD bursaries

Funding approaches:
The KFD Directorate identifies a number of activities each year for implementation using a dual approach:
1) A directed approach:
Development activities as identified and coordinated by the NRF, based in part on:
· Alignment with national strategic initiatives and priorities;
· The development of research fields as assessed and identified by the NRF, in collaboration with the research community.

2) Non-directed, ad hoc approach:
Research development activities as identified by the research community within particular fields; and / or related to interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary combinations.
These activities typically include roundtable discussions, advisory committees; workshops; symposia; audits of professional associations etc, in support of the development of a field, both with the research community and other stakeholders.The KFD Directorate reserves a limited percentage of its budget for grants to support the non-directed ad hoc grants. Careful consideration will be given to activities which could be funded through other NRF funding programmes e.g. international travel; Knowledge Interchange and Collaboration (KIC); science liaison etc, and applicants may therefore be redirected to these programme offerings.

Funding Levels:
The Knowledge Fields Development Directorate’s development grants range from approximately R 20 000 to not more than R200 000 per proposal. This award can cover expenses such as travel costs, venue hire, operating costs and a 10% administration levy for management or co-ordination of the event. This information serves as a guide, and well motivated variations can be negotiated on a case-by-case basis. The assessment process will consider proposed budgets in terms of cost, risk and reward ratios. The assessment process will be governed by the overall programme funds available.

How to Apply:
The application form and the manual are attachments to this document ; please study the manual in detail.
Should you require clarification on any of the process, criteria or plans presented in this Guide please do not hesitate to contact Ms Candice Steele ([email protected]) or Ms Renee le Roux ([email protected])
· There is a monthly deadline for all submissions of the 25th of each month. Applications submitted to the NRF on or before the 25th of each month will be considered by an internal KFD panel on or before the 30th of that month. Applications received after the 25th will be considered in the next round of the following month.