University of Pretoria - Research Development Programme (RDP)

The University of Pretoria funds the Research Development Programme (RDP). RDP provides seed funding to researchers seeking to establish their research careers. This procedural guide provides the steps to complete a new application, renewal application and a final report.

2. Deadline dates:

Open for online applications: Friday, 25 February

Faculty deadline date: Monday, 18 February

All new applications (year 1) must be submitted by the faculty deadline date for faculty review and ranking

DRI deadline: Friday, 22 March

Faculty Administrators must submit reviewed and ranked applications by DRI deadline date

Renewal applications (year 2 and/ or 3) must be submitted by the DRI deadline date

Panel meeting: Friday, 08 March

Expected outcome of applications: Friday, 08 March

3. Funding period:

RDP provides funding for one to three years for early career applicants and one year for established researchers who are newly appointed at UP.

4. Eligibility:

Early career researchers or established researchers who have joined UP for less than a year and require bridging funds
Doctoral qualification – exceptions where research is in a particularly broad research field in which there are national shortage of doctoral candidates
Permanent full-time member of staff – exceptions for contract appointments that are for three year period or longer

5. Value of funding:

Maximum amount awarded is R50, 000 per year
Annual competitive renewal process
Excludes travel abroad and scholarships

6. Application process:

Applicants apply annually on PeopleSoft.

Applicants are responsible to follow up on approvals from the mentors, HOD and faculty administrator.

Applicants should contact the faculty administrator to confirm the faculty deadline.

Faculty administrators must submit ranked faculty applications by the DRI deadline.

New application (year 1)
Renewal application (year 2 and/ or 3)
Final report (at the end of the funding period)

7. Additional Resources:

Guidelines

Procedural Guide

8. DRI contact persons:

Ms Noluthando Zikode

Tel: 012 420 5847

E-mail: [email protected]

Ms Ninette Mouton

Tel: 012 420 3528

E-mail: [email protected]

Faculty Administrator contact details:

Faculty	Contact person	Email
EBIT	Shoba Govender	[email protected]

Education	Prof Saloshna Vandeyar	[email protected]

EMS	Marcel Deysel	[email protected]

Health Sciences	Natasha Jeftha	[email protected]

Humanties	Aretha Schultz	[email protected]
	Fanele Khuzwayo	[email protected]

Law	Prof Steve Cornelius	[email protected]

Theology	Daleen Kotze	[email protected]

Veterinary Sciences	Rene Perridge	[email protected]

9. Help videos and guides:

9.1 How to access the RDP online form

Click here to download pdf help guide.

9.2 How to complete a new RDP application (year 1)