The Technology Innovation Agency (TIA) has partnered with
the British Council to implement the Newton Fund programme in South Africa.
Launched in 2014, the Newton Fund is part of the United
Kingdom’s (UK) official development assistance aimed at developing science and
innovation partnerships that promote the economic development and welfare of
developing countries. A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) currently exists
between the UK and the South African Government (Department of Science and
Technology) signed in September 2014. The primary objective of the
collaboration as outlined in the MOU is to support the research and innovation
capacity in South Africa for long term sustainable growth.
The three broad categories of activity within are:
1) People: improving science and innovation expertise
(known as capacity building), student and researcher fellowships, mobility
schemes and joint centres;
2) Programmes: research and collaborations on development
topics
3) Translation: innovation partnerships and challenge funds
to develop innovative solutions on development topics.
We are extremely happy to report that South Africa has been
included in the call for Institutional links which went live on Friday, the 7th
of November. Institutional links is designed to be flexible and responsive to
in-country needs, allowing applicants to establish collaborations on specific
areas that are linked to country priorities and development needs. The IL calls
is currently open for proposals for partnerships. More information can be found
at : http://www.britishcouncil.org/education/science/current-opportunities/institutional-links-2014
Under this programme, a key pre-condition for accessing UK
funds is that the matched funding is secured from partner countries.
In this instance, Technology Innovation agency (TIA), is
proud to partner with the British Council. Under this agreement, Institutional
Links grants with South Africa can address one or more of the following
thematic priority areas:
• Public health
• Environment, water and/or green technology
• Renewable energy
• Agritechnology and food security
