Poliomyelitis Research Foundation Bursaries

Poliomyelitis Research Foundation Bursaries 2019/2020

About Poliomyelitis Research Foundation

The Poliomyelitis Research Foundation (PRF) originated in the late 1940s and is a non-profit organization governed by the Board of Trustees, together with a Scientific Advisory Panel. The Foundation is focused on the advancement in the area of virology by through research development. PRF has distributed more than R 144,000,0000 in research funds which includes activities such as major impact projects, research, travel, bursary programme, post-doc fellowship, James Gear International Fellowship as well as other research projects like PRF training center and conference.

Poliomyelitis Research Foundation Bursaries

The PRF grants bursaries towards obtaining BS for an honours, Masters and PhD degrees. Bursaries are generally awarded only to South African citizens and a limited number of bursaries may be awarded to non-South African candidates. The PRF bursary does not give support for applicants who are full-time employees or any salary receiving employees. Research project cannot be changed without PRF permit once the bursary has been awarded. Applicants from historically disadvantaged communities will be given preference.
Applications are evaluated base on the following research project criteria:

  • Project should have emphasis on laboratory or epidemiological virus research rather than on clinical research of virus diseases.
  • Project should be relevant to human viral diseases in South Africa and should have a potential impact on health in South Africa.
  • Project innovation and clarity of the research hypothesis
  • Track record and contribution of the applicant in the project
  • Resources available for the Project
  • Achievability of the project
  • Budget requirements as well as other funding resources available
  • Realistic disease interventions which could affect the reduction of illness

Grants may run for 3 years and should be renewed through application accompanied with details of project results achieved and papers published and presented at congresses for the second and third academic year to the PRF.

PRF Bursary Requirements and Eligibility

  • Minimum 60% average
  • Disadvantaged applicants are preferred
  • South African citizens individuals with permanent resident status are preferred

How to Apply and Application Details

  1. Complete the PRF for the applicable degrees applied:
  2. Application forms must be typed. Hand written applications will be rejected.
  3. Email applications to: prf@nicd.ac.za

Closing Date

28 February, 15 September each year.

Contact Details

The Chairperson
Scientific Advisory Panel of the PRF
Address: 1 Modderfontein Road Sandringham Johannesburg
Post: C/O the National Institute for Communicable Diseases Private Bag X4 Sandringham 2131
Email: prf@nicd.ac.za
Telephone: +27 11 555-0395
Fax: +27 86 758 3326