The National Research Foundation, in partnership with the Department of Science and Technology and the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis, invites applications from doctoral students to participate in the Southern African Young Scientists Summer Programme. The programme, to be held from 24 November 2013 to 22 February 2014 at the University of the Free State in Bloemfontein, will enable doctoral candidates to advance their research under the direct supervision of senior scientists. Participants will be associated with a research project related to their research interests, expertise and skills, and which is compatible with their doctoral research. The programme will include scientific seminars covering themes in both the social and natural sciences, field trips, cultural and heritage excursions and networking opportunities with local research programmes.

Applicants should be currently registered for a doctoral programme at a public institution in South Africa, at an institution in an SADC country or at an institution in an IIASA member country. Applicants may be of any nationality but must be fluent in English. Applicants should indicate their preference for one to three research projects that they are interested in working on before, during and after the programme.

Participants from South Africa and SADC countries will receive travel costs, accommodation and meals, while participants from IIASA member countries will receive accommodation and meals for the duration of the programme.