The external research grants process can be an administrative hassle that few researchers want to embark on. So too are the processes of identifying, applying and managing external research grants, especially if one does not know where to start.

The Research Grants Management Division helps researchers identify, apply and secure external research grants, nominates researchers for awards and prizes, and coordinates institutional applications.

In addition, UP researchers benefit from the following services:

• Quick identification of relevant funding opportunities through funding databases, customised alerts and a bi-weekly Research Funding Bulletin
• Improved quality and time spent by the researchers on applications with services such as budgeting and gathering the organisational documentation, and speedy response on the organisational information that is required
• Administrative assistance with project coordination and gathering input from research networks for funding applications (e.g. CVs of collaborating researchers and recommendation letters)
• Coordinated institutional approval and signatures of applications, where applicable
• Assistance with submissions of applications (e.g. where printing, binding and courier or postal services are required)
• Regular updates on the status of submitted applications
• Notifications when reports and invoices are due.

Liaising with funding agencies:

Most funding agencies prefer to work with a central research support department rather than individual researchers. The Division therefore coordinates reporting to funding agencies that support UP research.

A podcast from one of our major funders illustrates the role of the Research Grants Management Division.

Charles Manyaga and Shandu Netshifhefhe, the Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (GDARD), in discussion with Ninette Mouton, Head of the Division, on the services funding agencies expect.

Link: https://soundcloud.com/dris-3/submitting-and-coordinating-projects-through-the-research-office

A podcast of an interview with Kefiloe Monageng from the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA) further illustrates how the  Research Grants Management Division is ‘able to understand all the issues that impact researchers’.

Kefiloe Monageng explains that the TIA prefers coordinating research projects with the research office of institutions.

Link: https://soundcloud.com/dris-3/kefiloe-monageng-funding-agencies-prefer-working-through-research-support-divisions

Programme coordinators at funding agencies who require assistance can contact the Research Grants Management Division here.

To access the external research grants management services and resources, simply follow this link (www.upresearch.co.za), or click here to register as a user:

http://www.upresearch.co.za/RESOURCES/REGISTER-AS-A-USER-FOR-PIVOT-RESEARCH-AFRICA-RESEARCH-FUNDING-BULLETIN