National ICT Research Capacity and Priorities for Cooperation - Republic of South Africa
National Priorities
South Africa's ICT Research Priorities are informed by the ICT RDI Roadmap (2013) which identified the following 27 priority areas grouped into six clusters of market oportunities:
- Broadband Infrastructure and Services (Future Wireless Technologies, Broadband Services Infrastructure)
- Developmen t (e-inclusion; Development and ICT for Agriculture)
- Sustainability and Environment (Green and ICT; Global Change; Geo-spatial applications)
- Grand Science (Astronomy; Biomedical sciences)
- Industry Applications (Smart infrastructure; Mining, Manufacture; Future internet applications; Content creation and delivery; Import replacement; Supply chain optimisation; Asset management)
- The Service Economy (m-health; e-Services; e-Education; Business model innovation; Payment solutions; Outsourced SA capability; Systems integration; Content and services localisation; Mobile enablement; Trust and security).
The ICT R&D Roadmap, implemented over a period of ten years (2013 - 2022), has directed investment focused on system-level outputs. South Africa's ambitions in terms of outputs in the ten years are the following:
- Human Capital Development: Masters (675), PhDs (450) and Post Docs (225);
- Knowledge Generation: Publications (1,700), Patent Applications (120) and Registered Patents (42); and
- Technology Development: Prototypes (470), Technology Packages (124) and Products and Services to Market (40)
To achieve the system level outputs outlined above, each stage of developing a market opportunity, i.e. explore, build critical mass, embed capacity and commercialise requires different mix of funding instruments. The following are funding instruments available in the South African ICT R&D and innovations ecosystem: Scholarships and studentships, technology development, RDI-enabling infrastructure, Partnership (PPP) and Collaboration, Research Chairs (National Research Fund), Centers of Competence (Technology Innovations Agency), seed funding and venture capital.
National Research Capacity
The table below provides an overview of some of the universities with ICT/Engineering Courses:
| Institution | Location | * Total University Student Population (2015 Year) | ICT/Engineering Department(s) |
| Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) | Gauteng | Students based at the CSIR are registered with various Universities for their study Degrees. There are 3 business units of the CSIR that have strong ICT competencies, i.e. Meraka Institute; the Defence, Peace, Safety and Security (DPSS) and the Modelling and Digital Sciences (MDS) | Earth Observation Science and ICT; Human Language Technologies; Knowledge Technologies; Networks and Media; Integrative Systems, Platforms, Technologies; Cyber-infrastructure; Education and Rural Development |
| Cape Peninsula University of Technology | Western Cape | 32674 **13 MSc+PhD 32674
**13 MSc+PhD
|
Informatics and Design |
| Central University of Technology | Free State | 14193 **2 MSc+PhD graduates 14193
**2 MSc+PhD graduates
|
Computer Science and Informatics |
| Durban University of Technology | KwaZulu-Natal | 27023 **33 MSc+PhD graduates 27023
**33 MSc+PhD graduates
|
Electronics Engineering, Information Technology |
| Fort Hare University | Eastern Cape | 13458 **45 MSc+PhD graduates 13458
**45 MSc+PhD graduates
|
Computer Science, Information Systems |
| Nelson Mandela University | Eastern Cape | 26 630 (year 2014) 3,718 PostGraduates 26 630 (year 2014)
3,718 PostGraduates
|
Electrical Engineering, School of Information and Communication Technology, Computer Science, Institute for ICT Advancement |
| North West University | North West | 64070 **126 MSc+PhD graduates 64070
**126 MSc+PhD graduates
|
School of Mathematics and Physical Sciences; School of Electrical, Electronic, Information Systems and Computer Science; School of Information Technology |
| Mangosuthu University of Technology | KwaZulu-Natal | 11518 **0 MSc+PhD graduates 11518
**0 MSc+PhD graduates
|
Department of Electrical Engineering, Department of Information Technology |
| Rhodes University | Eastern Cape | 8007 **44 MSc+PhD graduates 8007
**44 MSc+PhD graduates
|
Computer Science; Information Systems; Physics and Electronics |
| Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University | Gauteng | 5074 **67 MSc+PhD graduates 5074
**67 MSc+PhD graduates
|
|
| Stellenbosch University | Western Cape | 29613 **337 MSc+PhD graduates 29613
**337 MSc+PhD graduates
|
Computer Science; Electrical and Electronics Engineering; Centre for Languages and Speech Technology |
| Sol Plaatje University | Northern Cape | 5074 **0 MSc+PhD graduates (The University became operational only in 2014) 5074
**0 MSc+PhD graduates
(The University became operational only in 2014)
|
|
| Tshwane University of Technology | Gauteng | 57246 **58 MSc+PhD graduates 57246
**58 MSc+PhD graduates
|
Departments of Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Networks, Systems Development, Enterprise Application Development and ICT Management |
| Walter Sisulu University | Eastern Cape | 25993 **19 MSc+PhD graduates 25993
**19 MSc+PhD graduates
|
Department of Mathematical Sciences & Computing Department of Mathematical
Sciences & Computing
|
| UNISA (Online and Distance Learning Institution) | Gauteng | 337944 **56 MSc+PhD graduates 337944
**56 MSc+PhD graduates
|
Department of Electrical Engineering; Centre for Software Engineering; School of Computing |
| University of Cape Town | Western Cape | 27809 **347 MSc+PhD graduates 27809
**347 MSc+PhD graduates
|
Computer Science; Information Systems; Electrical Engineering; Centre for Information Technology & National Development in Africa |
| University of Free State | Free State | 30418 **195 MSc+PhD graduates 30418
**195 MSc+PhD graduates
|
Computer Science and Informatics |
| University of Johannesburg | Gauteng | 49452 **103 MSc+PhD graduates 49452
**103 MSc+PhD graduates
|
Academy of Computer Science and Software Engineering; Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering Science |
| University of KwaZulu Natal | KwaZulu-Natal | 45506 **310 MSc+PhD graduates 45506
**310 MSc+PhD graduates
|
School of Mathematics, Statistics and Computer Science, School of Computer Engineering |
| University of Limpopo | Limpopo | 18907 **28 MSc+PhD graduates 18907
**28 MSc+PhD graduates
|
Department of Computer Science |
| University of Pretoria | Gauteng | 55984 **523 MSc+PhD 55984
**523 MSc+PhD
|
Departments of Computer Science, Informatics and Information Science. Departments of Systems Engineering, Electronic and Computer Engineering. |
| University of Venda | Limpopo | 18907 **14 MSc+PhD graduates 18907
**14 MSc+PhD graduates
|
Department of Computer Science and Information Systems |
| University of Zululand | KwaZulu-Natal | 16891 **7 MSc+PhD graduates 16891
**7 MSc+PhD graduates
|
Department of Computer Science. |
| University of the Western Cape | Western Cape | 20382 **107 MSc+PhD graduates 20382
**107 MSc+PhD graduates
|
Department of Earth Sciences, Department of Computer Science, Department of Physics and Astronomy, |
| University of Witwatersrand | Gauteng | 33777 **415 MSc+PhD graduates 33777
**415 MSc+PhD graduates
|
Department of Computer Science. Department of Electrical & Information Engineering. |
| Vaal University of Technology | Gauteng | 17678 **2 MSc+PhD graduates 17678
**2 MSc+PhD graduates
|
Electrical Engineering, Information and Communication Technology, and Sotware studies Electrical Engineering, Information and Communication Technology, and Sotware studies
|
*Source: Higher Education Management Information System (HEMIS) of the Department of Higher Education and Training in South Africa
** Total number of MSc and PhD graduates in 2015 from the Major Study Fields of Natural Science, Engineering and technology and Health sciences.
South Africa has 26 publicly funded institutions of Higher Education. In addition, the country has research centres that have the human and infrastructural capacity to successfully participate in joint collaborative projects under Horizon 2020. Three (3) of these 26 universities were only established between 2014-2017.
CSIR/ Modeling and Digital Science, Meraka Institute and DPSS
- Research areas include: Earth observation science and information technology; Human language technologies and knowledge technologies; Information security; Robotics; Integrative systems, platforms and technologies; Cyber infrastructure; Cloud Computing; High Performance Computing; Internet of Things; Software Engineering and Architectures; Robotics, Mathematical Modelling, Data Analytics, ICT in Education, Wireless Communications, Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Cyber warfare, Advanced Sensor Networks and Future Wireless Technologies.
Cape Peninsula University of Technology
- Departments include: Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering; Industrial & Systems Engineering; Information and Communications Technology Academy; Informatics and Design
- Research areas include: Energy Harvesting; RFID; and Simulation & Modelling.
University of Cape Town
- Departments include: Department of Electrical Engineering; Computer Science and Information Systems and Centre for Information Technology & National Development in Africa
- Research areas include but not limited to: Radar Remote Sensing; Computation and Applied Mechanics; Broadband Networks & Applications; Digital Image Processing; Telecommunications Networks; Information for Community Oriented Municipal Services; Control systems and Mechatronics; Bio-inspired Robotics & Biomechanics; Software Defined Radio; Computer networks, network applications, future internet technologies; Power and Energy Systems Protection, Distributed Generation and Microgrids; and Space Technology.
University of Pretoria
- Departments include: Department of Computer Science, Informatics and Information Science; Departments of Systems Engineering, Electronic and Computer Engineering
- Research areas include: Computational Intelligence; Computer and Information Security; Geographic Information Science; ICT for Sustainable Development; Computer Science Education Didactics and Applications; System Specifications and Formal Methods; Software Engineering and Software Architecture; Advanced Sensor Networks; Biomedical engineering; Control Systems; Energy Systems; Intelligent Systems; Telecommunications and Signal Processing; Mobile Development Platforms
University of Johannesburg
- Departments include: Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering Science; Academy of Computer Science and Software Engineering
- Research areas include: Industrial Electronics Technology; Telecommunications and Stream Processing Research
University of KwaZulu Natal
- Departments include: School of Mathematics, Statistics and Computer Science; School of Computer Engineering; Department of Electrical Engineering
- Research areas include: Radio Access and Rural Technologies; Image Processing and Pattern Recognition; Simulation and Modelling; Sensor Web, Biomedical Informatics, Bioinformatics
UNISA
- Departments include: Department of Electrical Engineering; Centre for Software Engineering; School of Computing
- Research areas include: Image Control and Processing; Intelligent Systems; Parallel and Distributed Computer Architectures; Intelligent Agents; Electrical Systems and Wireless Communications
University of Witwatersrand
- Departments include: Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering Science; Academy of Computer Science and Software Engineering
- Research areas include: Biomedical Engineering; Computational Electromagnetics; Electrical Machines and Drives; Software and Information Engineering; Systems and Control; Telecommunications; Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning.
Nelson Mandela University
- Departments include: Electrical Engineering; School of Information and Communication Technology, Computer Science; Institute for ICT Advancement
- Research areas include: eHealth, Cyber Security, Human Language Technologies; Mobile Development Platforms;
Rhodes University
- Departments include: Computer Science; Information Systems; Physics and Electronics
- Research areas include: Cloud Computing; Mobile Development Platforms; Living Labs
Stellenbosch University
- Departments include: Electrical and Electronics Engineering; Computer Science; Centre for Languages and Speech Technology
- Research areas include: Embedded Systems; Mobile Computing; Sensors; Human Language Technologies; Mobile Development Platforms; Parallel Programming; Robotics; Search Applications; Software Engineering and Architectures; Visualisation; Simulation and Modelling; Internet of Things
University of the Western Cape
- Research areas include: Human Language Technologies; Software Design; High Performance Computing
Central University of Technology
- Departments include: Department of Electrical, Electronic & Computer Engineering; Department of Information Technology
- Research areas include: Voice over IP; Mobile Platforms
Durban University of Technology
- Departments include: Department of Electronic Engineering; Department of Accounting and Informatics
- Research areas include: Human Computer Interaction; Software as a Service
Tshwane University of Technology
- Departments include: Departments of Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering; Computer Networks, Systems Development, Enterprise Application Development; ICT Management
- Research areas include: Human Computer Interaction; Service Design
University of Fort Hare
- Departments include: Department of Computer Science & Information Systems
- Research areas include: Living Labs
North West University
- Departments include: School of Electrical, Electronic, Information Systems and Computer Science; School of Information Technology; School of Mathematics and Physical Sciences
University of Free State
- Departments include: Department of Computer Science and Informatics
- Research areas include Software Design
University of Limpopo
- Departments include: Department of Computer Science
- Research areas include: Software Design
University of Venda
- Departments include: Department of Computer Science and Information Systems
- Research areas include: Ontologies and Semantic Web; Parallel Programming; Software Design and Development; Biomedical Sensors
University of Zululand
- Departments include: Department of Computer Science; Department of Physics and Engineering
- Research areas include: Image Processing; Enterprise Data Integration; Model Driven Development; Wireless Communication Technolgies
Vaal University of Technology
- Departments include: Department of Electrical Engineering; Department of Information and Communications Technology; Department of Software Studies
- Research areas include: Human Language Technologies; Information Security; Augmented Reality
Walter Sisulu University
- Departments include: School of Mathematics and Computation; Schools of Computing; Schools of Technology
- Research areas include: Bioinformatics; Big Data Curation; OERS; Knowledge Capturing
There are also some private sector companies that conduct R&D in ICT, albeit on a limited scale while producing world class innovation products and services. There are also some ICT multinational companies that have or are intending to setup R&D facilities/centres in South Africa.
ICT-39 Priority Themes
Based on consultation with stakeholders the following thematic areas are considered important in the context of the ICT-39 Call:
| Thematic Areas | Topics | Partners include |
| eHealth | Health management solutions and business models for mobile and online services; Health Information Systems/Electronic Health Records in rural clinics with limited connectivity; Health diagnosis and Surveillance; Mechanisms and alarms to deal with compliance issues; Telemedicine and remote diagnosis using mobile platforms; Improved logistics of drugs to dispensing point to patient | Medical Research Council; Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University; Nelson Mandela University; University of the Free State; CSIR Meraka Institute; University of Stellenbosch; University of Cape Town; Walter Sisulu University; Tshwane University of Technology; University of Pretoria; University of Johannesburg; Rhodes University |
| Technology-enhanced Learning | Integration of ICT into education to improve learning experience; Cloud Solutions for personalised and classroom eLearning given low connectivity; Content Development | University of Stellenbosch; CSIR Meraka Institute; Centre for Innovation in Learning and Teaching (CILT), University of Cape Town; University of South Africa; Department of Basic Education; Cape Digital Foundation |
| eAgriculture | Use of ICT to support enhanced agricultural production; Cloud Model for Agricultural sector; Integration of early warning systems into mobile platforms | University of Stellenbosch; Agricultural Research Council; University of Pretoria; University of KwaZulu-Natal; Cape Peninsula University of Technology; Institute of Wine Biotechnology (Stellenbosch University); CSIR Meraka Institute; University of Johannesburg; Mobile Laboratory Southern Africa. |
| eGovernment | Public Service Delivery; Optimisation of municipality systems; Smart Cities | University of Stellenbosch; Meraka Institute; Walter Sisulu University; University of Cape Town; Department of Telecommunications and Postal Services; State Information Technology Agency; South African Local Government Association. |
| Environment | Sensor technology to monitor water loss and quality; air quality; Smart electricity grids | University of Pretoria; University of Johannesburg; University of Cape Town; University of the Witwatersrand; CSIR Meraka Institute; Tshwane University of Technology |
| Digital Inclusion | Application of ICT for socio-economic development in national context; optimal use of ICT for socio-economic development of marginalised and rural communities | University of Cape Town; University of Zululand; Fort Hare University; Rhodes University; CSIR Meraka Institute; Department of Science and Technology; University of Limpopo |
| Energy | Electrical energy systems; Thermal systems; Energy systems analysis; Strategic energy technologies; Nuclear and Hydrogen Energy; Energy efficiency; Nanobiotechnology; Fuel cell and nanotechnology; Biofuels; | University of South Africa; University of Stellenbosch; University of Witwatersrand; North-West University; Fort Hare University; Rhodes University; Cape Peninsula University of Technology; Nelson Mandela University; University of Cape Town |
Mapping to H2020 Themes
The mapping to Horizon 2020 Research areas is summarised below:
| Horizon 2020 Industrial Leadership | Institution, Relevant Dept and Research area |
| Components and Systems | Witwatersrand University: School of Electrical and Information Engineering (Centre for Systems and Control) : Research activities range from classical control to modern linear and non-linear control. All aspects of systems and signals namely, modelling, synthesis, control analysis and design pertaining to linear and non-linear, time-invariant as well as time varying systems and signals form part of the focus. ; Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Center for Real-Time Distributed Systems : Research includes networked control systems, standard based substation automation, and optimization of complex systems.; University of Johannesburg, Academy of Computer Science and Software Engineering: Component-based embedding of Agent-enhancing characteristics in Agents and Multi-Agent systems.; Durban University of Technology, Institute of Systems Science : research into real-world questions using multidisciplinary computational and mathematical systems methods, as well as simulation and mathematical methods. |
| Advanced Computing | University of Cape Town, University of Western Cape, CSIR Meraka: High Performance Computing |
| Future Internet | CSIR Meraka Institute : Internet Protocol (IP) networking; Infrastructure cloud; Application platforms; Protocol platforms; Free and open source (FOSS) operating systems; Internet of Things and IP multimedia subsystem.; University of Pretoria, SAChI : Advanced sensor networks with focus on hardware, test-beds and implementation aspects.; University of Johannesburg, Academy of Computer Science and Software Engineering : Services oriented architecture, Software as service, Cloud computing and Cybersecurity. |
| Content Technologies & Information Management | University of Johannesburg, Department of Computer Science and Software Engineering : Services Computing and Trust Management with focus on trust and reputation models, Services Oriented Architecture, Software as Service, and Cloud Computing. Witwatersrand University: School of Electrical and Information Engineering: Focus on Big Data (Medical Informatics) and Bioinformatics.; University of Pretoria, Department of Information Science : Knowledge Management, Information Processes, Meta-context of Information.; CSIR, Meraka Institute : Use of semantic technologies to employ novel forms of representing information and reasoning about it and coupling of the structures employed in semantic technologies to existing information sources such as database systems, semi-structured and unstructured sources of information. University of Johannesburg, Department of Computer Science and Software Engineering : Services Computing and Trust Management with focus on trust and reputation models, Services Oriented Architecture, Software as Service, and Cloud Computing.
Witwatersrand University: School of Electrical and Information Engineering: Focus on Big Data (Medical Informatics) and Bioinformatics.; University of Pretoria, Department of Information Science : Knowledge Management, Information Processes, Meta-context of Information.; CSIR, Meraka Institute : Use of semantic technologies to employ novel forms of representing information and reasoning about it and coupling of the structures employed in semantic technologies to existing information sources such as database systems, semi-structured and unstructured sources of information.
|
| Robotics | CSIR Modelling and Digital Sciences : Mobile intelligent, autonomous systems for areas of field robotics that promote intelligent behaviour such as in mining and other unstructured environments.; University of Stellenbosch, Department of Electrical and Electronics : Dynamics and control of autonomous systems, e.g. low earth orbiting satellites, manned and unmanned fixed and rotary wing aircraft, underwater vehicles, computer systems, as well as Biomedical Electronics. ; Tshwane University of Technology, Department of Electrical Engineering: Control, Image Processing and Machine Intelligence.; University of Pretoria, Department of Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering, SAChI : Research is on computational intelligence, with a particular focus in computational swarm intelligence, learning from zero knowledge using competitive coevolution, and evolutionary algorithms.; University of Cape Town, Department of Electrical Engineering: Control and Instrumentation, Image Processing and Vision Systems.; Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering : Satellite systems engineering.; Nelson Mandela University: Department of Mechatronics : focus on adaptive robotic control based on infrared indoor GPS (IR-GPS), adaptable mechanical fixturing approach for the mitigation of manufacturing errors; and wireless, intelligent control of a mobile office robot. |
| Horizon 2020 Societal Challenges | Institution, Relevant Dept and Research area |
| Health | University of the Free State, School of Medicine: High throughput biology, Bioinformatics/Computational Biology, Novel drug discovery and Advanced cloning systems.; CSIR Biosciences : Multi-disciplinary research in synthetic biology and the aptamer technology to provide cutting-edge tools to analyse, prevent and diagnose intractable public health problems such as HIV/AIDS, TB and malaria.; Medical Research Council: Medical Imaging Research Unit : Medical imaging that specifically addresses the functional brain imaging, measurement of cancer cell topography; and characterising neuromuscular function; Medical Research Council, The Drug Discovery and Development Research Unit : Specialises in the use of innovative drug discovery tools for the development of drugs targeted for treatment of infectious and other endemic African diseases.; Medical Research Council, Exercise Science and Sports Medicine Research Unit : Neurophysiology and the control mechanisms of fatigue; Genetic determination of athletic ability and susceptibility to exercise-induced injuries; Physical exercise in the prevention and rehabilitation of chronic disease states.; Medical Research Council, Environment & Health Research Unit: Urbanization and urban health; Lead poisoning prevention; Exposure to environmental pollution; the public health implications of heat stress (climate change).; University of Pretoria, School of Health Systems and Public Health: research on sustainable malaria control methods from the biochemical and the biological to the chemical and the physical.; University of Johannesburg, Department of Biochemistry: Human Genetics and Infectious Diseases; Diabetes Therapeutic Research and Chromatin Research.; University of Stellenbosch, Faculty of Health and Medicine: Research on Infectious Diseases, especially TB and HIV/AIDS ; Reproductive Health; Mental Health, especially psychiatric disorders; Non-Communicable Diseases, especially diabetes, cancer and cardiovascular disease; Public Health, especially health systems and evidence-based health care; Genetics and Injury, Trauma and Rehabilitation.; Rhodes University, Natural Products and Medicinal Chemistry Research Group : Research focus on function and medicinal chemistry of biologically active natural products, medicinal plants and quality of herbal medicines, as well as the design and synthesis of new medicinal agents.; University of Cape Town, Drug Discovery and Development Center : Structural Biology - structure-based drug discovery; Computational Chemistry: Virtual Screening and Modelling. Medicinal Chemistry (Hit to Lead and Lead Optimization). In vitro and in vivo Mycobacteriology and Parasitology. Biochemistry: Recombinant protein expression, protein isolation and characterisation, and development of enzyme assays for evaluating inhibitor efficacy; Nelson Mandela University (NMU): Health informatics, ICT for disease management, Information security and interoperability standards; Walter Sisulu University (WSU): Health informatics - Electronic Medical Records for Community Health Clinics; Tshwane University of Technology (TUT): Medical Devices development, eHealth and mHealth platforms. |
| Energy | University of South Africa, The College of Science, Engineering and Technology : Research on Fuel cell and nanotechnology focuses on using energy in a wiser fashion in order to minimise environmental hazards, as well as ways of optimising the efficiency with which it is produced.; University of Stellenbosch, Department of Electrical and Electronics : Research on electrical energy systems focusing on broadly on generation, transmission, conversion and control of electrical energy, including renewable energy. A parallel hybrid electrical vehicle was recently developed and tested.; University of Witwatersrand; Department of Mechanical, Industrial and Aeronautical Engineering : Thermal systems with focus on Combustion Analysis Software Development Solar Powered Low DT Liquid-Piston Stirling Engines for Water Pumping, Optimising the Performance of an Alcohol Fuelled Engine, Regenerative Internal Combustion Engines, Mine Cooling System Research and Flow Characteristics of Ice/Water/Air Mixture.; North-West University, Schools of Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering : Research includes bioethanol and biodiesel production; Clean coal technology including coal minerology and refinement; Nuclear and hydrogen energy. The university also has Research Chairs in Nuclear Energy, Clean Coal technology, Biofuels and Hydrogen Energy.; Fort Hare University, Institute of Technology : Research on Energy efficiency and the built environment, gasification of biomass, improvement of the collection efficiency of the cyclone, thermal and chemical analysis of the gasification process.; Rhodes University, Biotechnology Innovation Center : The research is currently focused on three core research areas, i.e. Biosensors, Biofuel Cells, Nanobiotechnology. The research is aimed at realizing innovative and commercialisable solutions in the development of sensors and in accessing alternative energy from waste products.; Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Centre for Substation Automation and Energy Management Systems provides specialised training, research and development in new technologies to improve power systems in South Africa.; Nelson Mandela University : Research and development on Strategic energy technologies for South Africa University of Cape Town, Energy Research Center : Energy efficiency, environmental and climate change, energy systems analysis and planning. |
| Food Security and Sustainable Agriculture | Agricultural Research Council: Research and development on the natural agricultural resources, viz, soil, climate and water, as well as on appropriate agricultural engineering technologies for both small- and large-scale agricultural producers. Develop technologies to improve the quality of animals and develop genetic and physiological methods to identify and study superior livestock breeding. Applied research on improvement and cultivation of grain crops and commercial crops, e.g. tobacco.; University of KwaZulu-Natal, Department of Agricultural Engineering: Engineering and science research in three main areas: Energy and supply chains in biomass production and processing, Systems irrigation soil & water engineering, as well as Food processing and post harvest engineering. ; Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Functional Foods Research Unit: Research on metabolic and nutritional effects of functional foods or premixes with functional food characteristics in human volunteers participating in well-designed clinical trials. ; University of Stellenbosch, Institutes of Plant Biotechnology: Research on carbohydrate partitioning in higher plants, engineering of biopolymer synthesis, plant growth and resistance of plants to abiotic stress. Institute of Wine Biotechnology: Molecular and Metabolite Profiling of vines, Advanced chemical-analytical techniques in viticulture, oenology and biotechnology; Computational Biology and Biomathematics.; CSIR Biosciences: Key areas of focus are Natural product chemistry; Food science and technology; Natural product processing, and Indigenous knowledge and biodiversity management. ; University of Johannesburg, Department of Biotechnology: Nutritional and sensory quality of African indigenous crops; Antioxidant potential of phytochemicals in plant foods; sensory acceptable mageu-based gluten free bread. Plant biotechnology and post harvest physiology and technology of fresh fruit, vegetables and cut flowers.; University of Pretoria: Veterinary aspects of food safety and food security, Molecular studies on infectious and parasitic diseases of animals, Phytomedicine and ethno-veterinary medicine, as well as Anatomical and physiological studies on animals. |
| Inclusive, Innovative and Reflective Societies | Fort Hare University and Rhodes University, Telkom Center of Excellence in ICT4D : The research focus of the centre is on the use of computing technology for socio-economic development of marginalized and rural communities.; CSIR Meraka : Human Languages Technologies, Speech-to-text technologies, wireless communication technologies for rural implementation. |
| Secure Societies | CSIR MDS, CSIR DPSS, University of KwaZulu-Natal, University of Limpopo, Tshwane University of Technology, University of Stellenbosch |
Level of Research Maturity
South Africa has a vibrant, well-developed research community and a good track record in collaborative research (193 FP7 projects with over €37.3 million in research funding).
Up to September 2018, South African organisations are involved in 122 Horizon 2020 projects with funding of over €28.3 million across a range of thematic areas:
- TRANSPORT, H2020-MG-2014_TwoStages - AEROGUST (RIA) - University of Cape Town
- INFRA, H2020-INFRASUPP-2014-2 B3Africa (CSA) - Stellenbosch University & University of the Western Cape
- ENV, H2020-SC5-2014-one-stage - BioMOre (RIA) - MINTEK
- ENV, H2020-SC5-2014-two-stage ECOPOTENTIAL (RIA) - Council for Scientific and Industrial Research
- LEIT-SPACE, H2020-COMPET-2014 - EUSPACE-AWE (CSA) - National Research Foundation
- INFRA, H2020-INFRAIA-2014-2015 - EVAg (RIA) - Agricultural Research Council (ARC); National Health Laboratory Services)
- ENV, H2020-WASTE-2014-one-stage - EWIT (CSA) - Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, E-Waste Association of South Africa, Mintek & Pikitup Johannesburg (Proprietary) Limited, Choma Municipal Council)
- ENV, H2020-SC5-2014-one-stage - green.eu (CSA) - Stellenbosch University; INTRAW (CSA) - Council for Scientific and Industrial Research
- ENV, H2020-SC5-2014-two-stage - GREEN-WIN (RIA) - University of Cape Town
- INFRA, H2020-INFRASUPP-2014-2 - MAGIC (CSA) - Council for Scientific and Industrial Research; Sci-GaIA (CSA) - Council for Scientific and Industrial Research
- FOOD, H2020-SFS-2014-1 - PROIntensAfrica (CSA) - Agricultural Research Council (ARC)
- FOOD, H2020-SFS-2014-2 - nEUROSTRESSPEP (RIA) - University of Cape Town
- Science with and for Society, H2020-ISSI-2014-1 - NUCLEUS (CSA) - National Research Foundation
- SOCIETY, H2020-INT-INCO-2014 - RINEA (CSA) - Department of Science and Technology
- SECURITY, H2020-DRS-2014 - SEREN 3 (CSA) - Council for Scientific and Industrial Research
- HEALTH, H2020-PHC-2014-single-stage - TBVAC2020 (RIA) - Kwazulu Natal Research Institute for TB-HIV (K-RITH) NPC, Stellenbosch University & University of Cape Town
- Science with and for Society, H2020-GARRI-2014-1 - TRUST (CSA) - The South African San Institute Trust, University of Cape Town & University of the Witwatersrand Johannesburg
- HEALTH, H2020-PHC-2014-two-stage - VIROGENESIS (RIA) - University of Kwazulu-Natal
- ENV, H2020-WATER-2014-one-stage - WaterWorks2014 (ERA-NET- Cofund) - Water Research Commission
- FOOD, H2020-BG-2014-2 - AtlantOS ( RIA) - Council for Scientific and Industrial Research
- HEALTH, H2020-HCO-2014 - SMART2D (RIA) - University of The Western Cape
- LEIT - ICT-39-2015- mHealth4Afrika (RIA) - Nelson Mandela University
- H2020-WATER-2015-one-stage - AfriAlliance (CSA) Iclei - Local Governments for Sustainability - Africa; Water Research Commission; Council for Scientific and Industrial Research
- H2020-INFRADEV-1-2015-1 - IN-SKA (RIA) - National Research Foundation
- H2020-SC5-2015-one-stage - INTMET (RIA) - Mintek
- H2020-INT-SOCIETY-2015 - GLOBUS (RIA) University of the Witwatersrand Johannesburg
- H2020-NMP-ERA-NET-2015 - M-ERA.NET 2 (ERA-NET-Cofund) - Department of Science and Technology
- H2020-SC5-2015-one-stage- STRADE (CSA) - University of the Witwatersrand Johannesburg; Dmt-Kai Batla Pty Ltd
- ERA-NET-Cofund - WaterWorks2015 (ERA-NET-Cofund) - Water Research Commission
- H2020-LCE-2015-1-two-stage - MinWaterCSP (RIA) - Notus Fan Engineering; Stellenbosch University; Kelvion Thermal Solutions (Pty) Ltd
- H2020-WATER-2015-one-stage - FERTINNOWA (CSA) - Optima Agrik Pty Ltd
- H2020-Adhoc-2014-20 - ICRI 2016 (CSA) - Department of Science and Technology
- H2020-DS-2015-1 - FutureTrust (IA) - Law Trusted Third Party Services Pty Ltd
- H2020-WATER-2015-two-stage - WATERSPOUTT (RIA) - Stellenbosch University; SafeWaterAfrica (RIA) - Tshwane University of Technology; Council for Scientific and Industrial Research; Advance Call Pty Ltd; Virtual Consulting Engineers Vce; Stellenbosch University
- H2020-NMP-2015-two-stage - caLIBRAte (RIA) - National Health Laboratory Services
- H2020-INT-INCO-2015 - ESASTAP 2020 (CSA) - Academy of Science of South Africa; National Research Foundation; Technology Innovation Agency; Department of Science and Technology
- H2020-ICT-2016-INT - IST-Africa 2016-2018 (CSA)- Department of Science and Technology
- H2020-BG-2016-1 - MarTERA (ERA-NET-Cofund) - Department of Science and Technology
- H2020-SC5-2016-OneStageB - COP21 RIPPLES (RIA) - University of Cape Town
- H2020-EO-2016 - CyanAlert (IA) - Cyanolakes (Pty) Ltd
- H2020-SC5-2016-OneStageB - ERA-MIN 2 (ERA-NET-Cofund) - Department of Science and Technology
- H2020-INFRASUPP-2016-1 - AENEAS (RIA) - Council for Scientific and Industrial Research; University of Cape Town; National Research Foundation
- H2020-INFRADEV-2016-1 - JUMPING JIVE (CSA) - Department of Science and Technology; RINGO (CSA) - University of the Witwatersrand Johannesburg
- H2020-SC1-2016-RTD - SPICES (RIA) - University of Limpopo; anTBiotic (RIA) - Task Foundation Npc; University of Cape Town)
- H2020-INFRAIA-2016-1 - RadioNet (RIA) - Department of Science and Technology
- H2020-FOF-2016 - 4D hybrid (RIA) - Council for Scientific and Industrial Research
- H2020-SFS-2016-1 - LEAP-AGRI (ERA-NET-Cofund) - National Research Foundation; Department of Science and Technology
- H2020-INFRASUPP-2016-1 - SEACRIFOG (CSA) - University of the Witwatersrand Johannesburg; National Research Foundation
- H2020-SC5-2016-OneStageB - ITERAMS (RIA) - University of Cape Town
- H2020-SwafS-2016-1 - SIENNA (CSA) - University of Cape Town
- H2020-SFS-2016-2 - TROPICSAFE (RIA) - Patho Solutions (Pty) Ltd; Vinpro; Stellenbosch University; University of Pretoria)
- H2020-MSCA-RISE-2014 - CREATe-Network (MSCA-RISE) - Council for Scientific And Industrial Research
- H2020-MSCA-RISE-2014 - EVE (MSCA-RISE) - Armaments Corporation of South Africa; Esteq Engineering (Pty) Ltd; University of Pretoria
- H2020-MSCA-RISE-2014 - GreenBubbles (MSCA-RISE) - Noordwes-Universiteit; Divers Alert Network Southern Africa
- H2020-MSCA-RISE-2014 - MAT4TREAT (MSCA-RISE) - Stellenbosch University
- H2020-MSCA-ITN-2014 - SAF21 (MSCA-ITN-ETN) - South African Association for Marine Biological Research
- H2020-MSCA-RISE-2014 - Sustain-Owner (MSCA-RISE) - University of Pretoria
- H2020-MSCA-RISE-2014 - PARTY (MSCA-RISE)Cape Peninsula University of Technology; The South African san Institute Trust
- H2020-MSCA-RISE-2014 - FlyHigh (MSCA-RISE) - Agri Protein Technologies (Pty) Ltd
- H2020-MSCA-IF-2014 - WORMTUMORS (MSCA-IF-GF) - University of Cape Town
- H2020-MSCA-RISE-2015 - Ocean Medicines (MSCA-RISE) - University of the Western Cape
- H2020-MSCA-RISE-2015 - FAB-MOVE (MSCA-RISE) - University of the Western Cape
- H2020-MSCA-RISE-2015 - MediHealth (MSCA-RISE) - Tshwane University of Technology
- H2020-MSCA-RISE-2015 - MIREL (MSCA-RISE) - University of Cape Town
- H2020-MSCA-RISE-2015 - PEARL (MSCA-RISE) - University of Johannesburg
- H2020-MSCA-RISE-2015 - RUBICON (MSCA-RISE)University of Cape Town
- H2020-MSCA-RISE-2015 - SOLIRING (MSCA-RISE) - University of Cape Town
- H2020-MSCA-IF-2014 - NEARCONTROL (MSCA-IF-GF) - University of Kwazulu-Natal
- H2020-MSCA-RISE-2014 - Muscle stress relief (MSCA-RISE) - Stellenbosch University
- H2020-MSCA-RISE-2015 - SYSMICS (MSCA-RISE) - University of the Witwatersrand Johannesburg
- H2020-MSCA-RISE-2015 - GEMCLIME (MSCA-RISE) - University of Cape Town
- H2020-BBI-PPP-2015-2-1 - TECH4EFFECT (BBI-RIA) - Stellenbosch University
- H2020-MSCA-ITN-2016 - BioCapture (MSCA-ITN-ETN) - ReSyn Biosciences
- H2020-EO-2016 - CyanoAlert (IA) - Cyanolakes (Pty) Ltd
- H2020-Msca-Rise-2016 - INTERWASTE (MSCA-RISE) - Tshwane University of Technology; University of Kwazulu-Natal
- H2020-MSCA-RISE-2016 - VirFree (MSCA-RISE) - University of Pretoria
- H2020-MSCA-COFUND-2015 - WIRL (MSCA-COFUND-FP) - African Arts Institute
- H2020-MSCA-RISE-2016 - CID (MSCA-RISE) - University of South Africa
- H2020-MSCA-COFUND-2016 - SPARK (MSCA-COFUND-DP) - South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity
- H2020-MSCA-RISE-2016 - TICASS (MSCA-RISE) - University of the Witwatersrand Johannesburg
- ERC-2016-COG - Honeyguides-Humans (ERC-COG) - University of Cape Town
- H2020-SFS-2016-2 - InnovAfrica (RIA) - Agricultural Research Council (ARC)
- H2020-SFS-2017-1 - AfriCultuReS (RIA) - South Africa National Space Agency
- H2020-SFS-2017-1 - CIRCASA (CSA) - Agricultural Research Council (ARC)
- H2020-SC5-2017-OneStageB - INFACT ( RIA) - GALSA (PTY) LTD
- H2020-MSCA-RISE-2017 - INFINITE-CELL (MSCA-RISE) - University of the Western Cape
- H2020-COMPET-2017 - TechTIDE (RIA) - South Africa National Space Agency
- H2020-MSCA-RISE-2017 - HYDRIDE4MOBILITY (MSCA-RISE) - TR Design; University of the Western Cape; Impala Platinum
- H2020-Msca-Rise-2017 - ThermaSMART (MSCA-RISE) - University of Pretoria
- H2020-MSCA-ITN-2017 - ANTHUSIA (MSCA-ITN-EJD) - Abahlali baseMjondolo Movement; Centre for Development and Enterprise; Southern Africa Labour and Development Unity; Wits School of Governance
- H2020-MSCA-RISE-2017 - BIODEST (MSCA-RISE) - Stellenbosch University
- H2020-MSCA-RISE-2017 - CARE4C (MSCA-RISE) - Merensky Timber (Pty) Ltd; Stellenbosch University
- H2020-SC1-2017-Single-Stage-RTD - RISE (RIA) - University of Cape Town
- H2020-SC5-2017-OneStageB - WaterWorks2017 (ERA-NET-Cofund) - Water Research Commission
- H2020-SC5-2017-OneStageB - TWIGA (RIA) - South African Weather Service
- H2020-MSCA-RISE-2017 - DiCoMI (MSCA-RISE) - Vaal University of Technology
- H2020-MSCA-RISE-2017 - CatChain (MSCA-RISE) - Tshwane University of Technology
- H2020-SFS-2017-2 - CO-CREATE (RIA) - University of Cape Town
- H2020-SwafS-2017-1 - RRING ( RIA) - National Research Foundation
- H2020-SEC-2016-2017-2 - SEREN 4 (CSA) - Council for Scientific and Industrial Research
- H2020-ICT-2017-1 - WAZIHUB (IA) - Makers Be Like
- H2020-SFS-2017-2 - DEFEND (RIA) - Agricultural Research Council (Arc); University of Pretoria
- H2020-SC5-2017-OneStageB - PACIFIC (RIA) - Institute of Mine Seismology (PTY)LTD
- ERC-2016-ADG - Group-Dynamics-TCB (ERC-ADG) - Kalahari Research Trust
- H2020-SFS-2017-2 - HOMED ( RIA) - University of Pretoria
- H2020-BG-2018-1 - AANChOR (CSA) - National Research Foundation, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, Department of Science And Technology
- H2020-JTI-IMI2-2016-10-two-stage - AIMS-2-TRIALS (IMI2-RIA) - Stellenbosch University
- H2020-WATER-2015-two-stage - DAFNE (RIA) - University Of Zambia
- H2020-ICT-2015 DMC-MALVEC (RIA) - Ministry Of Health
- H2020-SC5-2015-two-stage - Ground Truth 2.0 (IA) - World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Zambia
- H2020-SFS-2018-1 - LEAP4FNSSA (CSA) - National Research Foundation, Agricultural Research Council (Arc), Department of Science and Technology
- H2020-SFS-2018-1 - MicrobiomeSupport (CSA) - University of Pretoria
- H2020-LC-SC3-2018-Joint-Actions-1 - PRE-LEAP-RE (CSA) - National Research Foundation, Department of Science and Technology
- H2020-NMBP-SPIRE-2018 - PreMa (IA) - Stellenbosch University, Mintek, Transalloys Pty Ltd
- H2020-MSCA-RISE-2018 - RESIST (MSCA-RISE) - University of Cape Town
- H2020-MSCA-ITN-2018 - ReTraCE (MSCA-ITN-ETN) - African Circular Economy Network
- H2020-SC1-2016-RTD - SURG-Africa (RIA) - The Surgical Society of Zambia
- H2020-MSCA-IF-2017 - SUSTINNO (MSCA-IF-GF) - University of Cape Town