For several weeks now we have been receiving inquiries regarding the long-since announced new research cooperation programme between South Africa and Norway. The previous programme was formally completed 30 September 2011. (Those interested in reading the final report open the link to the right).

The process of preparing a new programme started already two years ago, but unfortunately it is not yet completed. We believe, however, that a new agreement will be signed in the near future, hopefully in February. We also aim at having a call published soon thereafter, possibly in March with an application deadline at the end of May, but it will depend on the agreement and necessary contracts being signed within the next few weeks.

Last November, all involved parties, including RCN, held a meeting in Pretoria to discuss the new programme and a draft agreement was prepared based on the inputs from the meeting, It is now being considered by the principal actors, the Department of Science of Technology (DST) and the Norwegian Embassy in Pretoria. As previously indicated, Climate change, the environment and renewable energy will be the thematic themes of the new programme. As soon as we receive notice that the agreement has been signed, we shall make it know through these web-pages.

We take this opportunity to inform you about the Yggdrasil scholarship programme, which is open for young researchers and doctoral students from selected countries who wish to spent a few months at a Norwegian institution. South Africa is one of the countries that qualify for the programme, but applications have to come from the Norwegian institution on behalf of their guests. The deadline is around the corner: February 15th.
http://www.forskningsradet.no/en/Funding/ISMOBIL/1233557743178