R1,5 million Harry Oppenheimer fellowship award now open

The Harry Oppenheimer fellowship award, valued at R1,5 million, is now open for applications and nominations from outstanding a researcher in demonstrate excellence and exceptional scholarship in the field of education and related fields.

Credentials
It is granted to a candidate – at researcher level – of the highest calibre to help them to undertake a programme of cutting edge, internationally significant work.

Nominations from South African universities, science councils, research and policy institutes, and other institutions or agencies of similar national standing will be accepted. The trust also considers applications from individuals who do not have specific institutional affiliations.

Deadline
Written applications or nominations close on Monday, 30 October 2017.

About the trust
The Oppenheimer Memorial Trust was established in 1958 by the late Mr Harry Oppenheimer in memory of his father, Sir Ernest, and has a long tradition of investing in education and related fields.

The Harry Oppenheimer Fellowship was initiated by the Trustees 17 years ago and is the Trust’s most prestigious award.

Other criteria
Other important considerations include residents of South Africa (age is not a factor in selection), very well established in their field and are regarded as leading scholars internationally, have undertaken advanced research for many years and have a track record of sustained intellectual effort.

The trust also indicates that it asks for submissions that describe a clearly focused and specific project that offers a ‘visionary idea’ that represents a paradigm shift in current thinking, seeks to make important discoveries and contributes significantly to new knowledge.

Importantly, the researcher should demonstrate a commitment to transferring skills and building capacity in South Africa

Special consideration will also be given to the value of the proposed work: its particular application to teaching, research and development in South Africa; its potential to push the frontiers of knowledge in the given field or area of interest; its contribution to the advancement or application of knowledge in the service of society.

Its coherence and practicability of the proposed programme and its feasibility within the limit set for the Award and the given timeframe of approximately one year will also evaluated as to the candidate’s proven achievement and his or her ability to profit from the use of the award.

By proven achievement the Trust would be looking for candidates who have inter alia: attracted research funding on a competitive basis; published peer-reviewed articles in high-impact journals or scholarly books through high-profile publishers; successfully supervised graduate students to completion; and secured invitations to, and seats on, international bodies and institutions.

Application process

• Incomplete submissions will not be considered.
• Short-listed candidates or finalists should be available for interviews late January/early February 2018.
• Awards are made at the discretion of the trustees.
• All submissions should be delivered to the offices of the trust: 1st Floor, No. 9 St. David’s Park, St. David’s Place, Parktown 2193 or submitted electronically to e-mail CDigby@omt.org.za.

More information

For further details on this award, go to DHET.gov.za

For information on other scholarships, go to International Scholarships