SANAP 2027-2029 call now open on NRF Grant applications
The South African National Antarctic Programme (SANAP) invites applications to an OPEN CALL for a three-year funding cycle (2027-2029). All application materials must be submitted electronically via the NRF’s Submission system at NRFCONNECT. The SANAP call is now open on NRF Connect under the Research Grants category. All applications must be endorsed by the research office of the principal investigator before submission to the NRF. It is the responsibility of each applicant to familiarise himself / herself with the internal closing dates set by their institution to meet the NRF closing date. Incomplete or late submissions will not be considered. All applicants need to consider all three parts of the framework document -the information relating to the research proposals, the frameworks for DFFE, which inter alia details logistic requirements and indicates compulsory attachments, and the SAPRI framework. Which inter alia details infrastructure availability and data storage requirements, included below. Each partner has specific requirements, and the frameworks for SANAP, DFFE and SAPRI need to be considered together. (Information in Framework Document.)
SANAP FRAMEWORK DOCUMENT Download here
For all NRF RIISA content -related queries:
- Ms Singathwa Mbangeni
- 012 481 4269
- S.Mbangeni@risa.nrf.ac.za
- Ms Tracy Klarenbeek
- 012 481 4177
- TJ.Klarenbeek@risa.nrf.ac.za
The National Research Foundation (NRF) recognises that for South Africa to be internationally competitive and to meaningfully contribute to the global economy, the country must have the capability to understand the knowledge produced by others. This understanding can best be developed through performing research. Publicly funded basic and applied research is viewed as a source of new ideas, opportunities, methods, and most importantly, the means through which problem solvers can be trained. The SANAP is a long-term funding instrument designed to ensure the creation of a demographically balanced Antarctic research programme that strives for internationally competitive research, promotes inter-disciplinarity and creates links with other African countries.
The 2016 DSTI Marine and Antarctic Research Strategy serves to link South Africa’s comparative geographic and research advantage, regional stewardship, and national interest considerations to research themes to stimulate systems scale integration of knowledge and understanding. This will not only strengthen South Africa’s profile and develop advanced skills, but in so doing will also support the Country’s geo-political and citizenship goals in both regional and global dialogues. The importance of South Africa’s geographical proximity to Antarctica and its position as a Southern Ocean. South Africa also maintains bases at Marion and Gough Islands, administered by the DFFE. Marion Island and Prince Edward Island together form the Prince Edward Islands Group, annexed by South Africa in 1947. Gough Island is a British protectorate which hosts the South African meteorological station, which operates as part of an agreement between South Africa and the United Kingdom
How Seabirds Reveal a Changing Climate. The skies above the Southern Ocean are home to some of the world’s most remarkable travellers. Wandering albatrosses soar effortlessly across thousands of kilometres, while penguins, petrels and skuas brave some of the harshest weather conditions on Earth. These seabirds are not only iconic symbols of Antarctica and the sub-Antarctic—they are also important indicators of the health of our oceans. One of the research projects supported by the South African National Antarctic Programme (SANAP), “Interactive Effects of Multiple Stressors and Environmental Change on Seabird Breeding Performance,” investigates how environmental changes are affecting seabird populations. Scientists study breeding success, chick growth, feeding behaviour and survival to better understand how birds respond to changing conditions in the Southern Ocean.
Seabirds depend on healthy marine ecosystems to find food. Changes in sea surface temperatures, ocean currents and sea ice influence where fish, squid and krill can be found. At the same time, seabirds face additional pressures from pollution, invasive species, fisheries interactions and increasingly unpredictable weather. These multiple stressors can combine to affect breeding colonies in ways that are often difficult to predict. Many of SANAP’s long-term studies take place on Marion Island, where researchers monitor nesting birds year after year. By returning to the same colonies over decades, scientists can detect gradual changes that would otherwise go unnoticed. Long-term monitoring provides valuable information about population trends and helps distinguish between natural fluctuations and the effects of climate change.
Call to Action –Every seabird has a story to tell about the health of our oceans. Follow the SANAP National Science Month series as we continue exploring the incredible science taking place across Antarctica, the sub-Antarctic islands and the Southern Ocean.
Join us throughout National Science Month as we celebrate South African science at the edge of the world.
On 9 May 2026, the world once again celebrates 
Marion Island situated in the Southern Ocean, Marion Island hosts globally populations of migratory seabirds. Species such as the Wandering Albatross, Grey-Headed Albatross, Sooty Albatross, and many more rely on the island for breeding and feeding. Many of these birds undertake journeys across oceans and continents. The island’s landscape and surrounding marine ecosystem make it one of the world’s most natural laboratories for seabird research and conservation. For decades, SANAP has supported internationally recognised research focused on seabirds, marine ecosystems, climate change, and conservation biology on Marion Island and Gough Island. A major contributor to this work is the world-renowned FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology at the University of Cape Town. Researchers from the FitzPatrick Institute, together with scientists from several South African and international institutions, have played a leading role in advancing understanding of seabird ecology, migration, breeding success, foraging behaviour, and population trends. This research contributes not only to South African conservation efforts but also to global scientific understanding of migratory species and Southern Ocean ecosystems.
Every Observation Matters – The theme for World Migratory Bird Day 2026 reminds us that meaningful conservation is built on observations made over time. At SANAP stations, researchers, overwintering teams, voyage personnel, and field assistants regularly document bird life through their photographs. One particularly example is a timelapse video recorded by Otto Whitehead during a Marion Island takeover voyage in March 2023. Every image, every sighting, and every observation helps strengthen our collective understanding of migratory birds and the ecosystems on which they depend.
In response, the Marion Mouse-Free Project was launched as a restoration initiatives and the project aims to eradicate invasive mice from Marion Island and restore the island’s ecological balance. The initiative represents a powerful collaboration involving conservationists, scientists, SANAP partners, donors, and volunteers working together to secure the future of Marion Island’s seabirds.
Feature (& above) photos(enhanced) contributed by Jeanne Nel (Hurford) member of Marion 53 1996-1997 
Macaroni Penguin: The Macaroni penguin is one of the most abundant penguin species studied within SANAP-supported regions, including Marion Island. Recognisable by its striking yellow-orange crest, this species forms vast breeding colonies that can number in the millions, offering researchers unique opportunities to study population dynamics and ecosystem interactions. Feeding primarily on krill and small marine organisms, macaroni penguins are also impressive divers, capable of reaching depths of up to 100 metres. SANAP researchers monitor their breeding success and foraging behaviour to better understand the health of subantarctic marine ecosystems.
Emperor Penguin: The Emperor penguin, the largest of all penguin species, is a true symbol of Antarctic resilience. Although primarily found on mainland Antarctica rather than Marion or Gough Island, SANAP-affiliated research contributes to broader Antarctic ecosystem studies that include this iconic species. Adapted to survive extreme temperatures as low as −60°C, emperor penguins exhibit remarkable breeding behaviour, with males incubating eggs on their feet during the harsh winter months. Their ability to dive to depths exceeding 500 metres continues to fascinate scientists studying physiological adaptation and survival in extreme environments.
Rockhopper Penguin:The Rockhopper penguin, known for its energetic movements and spiky yellow crest, is a charismatic species found on Marion Island and other subantarctic locations. Its name comes from its habit of hopping across rocky terrain, often breeding on steep slopes that challenge both the birds and the researchers studying them. SANAP teams monitor their populations closely, as rockhopper penguins are considered vulnerable to environmental pressures. Their diet of krill, squid, and crustaceans links them directly to ocean health, making them important indicators in marine research.
