Page Content: NRF rating - WHAT IS IT ABOUT?
The evaluation and rating of individuals is based primarily on the quality of the research outputs in the recent past. "Recent", in the context of the NRF evaluation and rating system, means outputs of the past eight years.
The next round for NRF rating will open in September 2014 and refers to outputs between 1 January 2007 and 31 December 2014. The evaluation is undertaken by national and international reviewers who are requested to critically scrutinize the research completed during the assessment period. Applications are made either by "established" researchers with a solid track record (categories C, B and A), or by "younger" researchers who show potential to become established within a five-year period (Y), or becoming future leaders in their field (P). For more information on NRF rating, please visit the NRF website www.nrf.ac.za
HOW DOES THE PROCESS WORK?
The NRF has an online system for applications. The system will open in September 2014 and all final applications must be submitted by 15 February 2015.
Stellenbosch University has a very thorough internal evaluation process and we start early so that applicants can benefit fully from it. The Division for Research Development is responsible for the submission of applications to the NRF and no applications will be accepted by the NRF without institutional endorsement. The following timeline is applicable to all applicants:
21 November 2014 - first internal closing date for all applications (new and re-evaluations for the SU panel process)
(please take note that no applications will be accepted after this date)
- 24-25 November 2014 - applications is sent to internal panel members for evaluation and feedback)
- 25 November 2014 to 09 December 2014 - panel members work through applications and prepare feedback
- 10 December 2014 - panel members send written feedback to the Division for Research Development
- 11-12 December 2014 - Division for Research Development send feedback to applicants and open applications on NRF system for revision
23 January 2015 - second internal closing date for all applications (preparation for the SU subcommittee process)
(please take note that feedback from panel members must be worked into your application at this stage - the application must be in a final form and more or less ready for submission to the NRF)
- 26 January 2015 - Division for Research Development extracts applications from the NRF system and prepare it for the subcommittees
- Subcommittee meetings take place in the week of 2-6 February 2015 (the subcommittees make the final recommendation with regards to each application)
- 9 -14 February 2015 - applicants will have the opportunity to make final revisions on the NRF system.
15 February 2015 - final closing date for all applications on the NRF system (NRF evaluation process begins)
SO WHERE DO I START WHEN I WANT TO APPLY?
Step 1: Please let Aasima Gaffoor (aasima@sun.ac.za) know as soon as possible if you intend to apply this round.
Step 2: If you have not already done so, register on the NRF online system (http://nrfsubmission.nrf.ac.za) and start to complete your CV on the system (if you have not done so yet).
But why now already - still plenty of time left??
1. As soon as you let us know that you want to apply; we will send you a complete set of information, including tips for applicants as well as an application template, etc.
2. You will be assigned to an internal panel member that will assist you right through the process and provide you with advice to best prepare your application.
3. The Division for Research Development will work with you throughout and deal with any questions/problems you might have with the process and the NRF online system.
4. The application takes time to complete (believe us!!) - We will help you to prepare the best possible application with enough time and the necessary support from our office.
Your NRF rating contact persons at SU:
Maryke Hunter-Husselmann (mh3@sun.ac.za; 021 808 4623)
Aasima Gaffoor (aasima@sun.ac.za; 021 808 9004)
We look forward to hearing from you!!
