The SASAC PhD programme aims to provide an opportunity for outstanding young doctoral students to advance their research under the direct supervision of senior scientists from South African and UK–based research and higher education institutions (HEIs) and IIASA. At the same time, they can contribute to IIASA’s ongoing scientific agenda and to the research agenda set out in the DST’s strategic plan for the period 2015-2020. The scholarship is valued at R110,000 per year, over a period of three years subject to satisfactory progress and meeting all the requirements of the SASAC programme. In addition, expenses are fully covered for both students and supervisors for their participation in the applicable SASAC activities. These include where applicable: flights, accommodation and meals which will be arranged by the management team of SASAC. All students will be able to apply for mobility grants for travel to attend conferences, research meetings or to meet with IIASA/ UK co-supervisors.
The SASAC PhD curriculum will provide young and emerging researchers with the following benefits:
- A three-year scholarship for 20 South African citizens and 10 African PhD students based at South African universities. (Only 20 students received scholarships in both 2016 and 2017. With the support of the British Council, a further 10 students were selected for scholarships in 2018.)
- Ten of these scholarships will be awarded to students being co-supervised by researchers based at UK higher education institutions, including mobility grants to support collaboration on the PhD study.
- A capacity development intervention during the early stage of their PhD studies.
- Supervision by experienced South African/African and IIASA/UK scientists, as well as contributing to collaborative research by the supervising senior scientists.
- Broadening their research into interdisciplinary and trans-boundary research relevant to national, regional, and global needs.
- Opportunities for research publications in internationally accredited/ recognised scientific journals in collaboration with IIASA/UK and senior South African scientists.
- Exposure to international research through engagements with national and international experts, participating in programmes such as seminar series.
- Exposure to local, national, regional and international research programmes.
- Opportunities to build long-lasting collaborative contacts with the senior supervisors and with other programme participants.