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.
Each year on World Water Day (22 March), the global community reflects on the importance of freshwater and the urgent need to protect it. In 2026, the theme “Water and Gender: Where water flows, equality grows” reminds us that access to clean water is not only an environmental priority, but also a social one. Around the world, water scarcity, pollution and climate change continue to threaten communities and ecosystems alike. Through initiatives led by UNESCO—including the Intergovernmental Hydrological Programme (IHP) and the World Water Assessment Programme (WWAP)—scientific research is being translated into real-world solutions that help countries better manage and safeguard this vital resource.
Postgraduate students in environmental and marine-related sciences are encouraged to apply for SEAmester IX – South Africa’s Class Afloat, taking place from 1–10 June 2026 aboard the country’s polar research vessel, the S.A. Agulhas II.
A Floating Classroom: The strength of SEAmester lies in its combination of theoretical learning and hands-on research at sea. Over the course of ten days, students participate in lectures from leading scientists while actively engaging in ship-based scientific work. The S.A. Agulhas II, a state-of-the-art research and polar supply vessel, provides the ideal teaching platform. Its onboard laboratories, research equipment and facilities allow students and lecturers to work closely together in an immersive scientific environment. Participants gain exposure to a wide range of marine science disciplines, including oceanography, marine biology, biogeochemistry and climate science. Daily lectures are paired with deck-based activities where students assist with research operations, collect data and learn how oceanographic instruments are deployed and analysed. Students also contribute to small scientific mini-projects, gaining practical research experience while working alongside specialist scientists.
Prepare a Strong Application: SEAmester is highly competitive, and applicants are encouraged to take time preparing their submissions. When applying, be sure to read the application requirements carefully and explain why you are a strong candidate. Demonstrate your interest in environmental or marine science and describe how the experience will contribute to your research and career goals. Write your application in your own words. The selection committee is looking for students who are motivated, curious and eager to engage in interdisciplinary research. SEAmester offers a rare opportunity to gain hands-on marine research experience while learning from leading scientists at sea. For postgraduate students interested in environmental change and ocean science, this programme provides an unforgettable introduction to research in the marine environment.
From December 2025 to February 2026, the South African National Antarctic Programme (SANAP) embarks on its annual takeover voyage to relieve and resupply SANAE IV in Queen Maud Land, Antarctica. This critical mission ensures a seamless transition between overwintering and incoming teams, sustaining South Africa’s year-round scientific presence in Antarctica. More than a logistical operation, the voyage represents a coordinated national effort — uniting government officials, scientists, aviation specialists, maritime crew, engineers, and support teams — all working together in one of the most demanding environments on Earth.
At the core of the transition are the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) takeover personnel, who oversee inspections, infrastructure assessments, compliance requirements, and environmental protocols at SANAE IV. Their work ensures that power generation, life-support systems, communications, and safety procedures remain fully operational for the year ahead. Supporting the operation from sea to ice is the skilled helicopter team from Ultimate Heli, who transport people and cargo between the vessel and the base with precision in narrow Antarctic weather windows. (Photo: DFFE takeover personnel with Shiraan Watson -DCO)
The voyage south is safely guided by the Captain Roland Clutties and crew of the S.A. Agulhas II, whose expertise navigating the Southern Ocean and pack ice ensures the secure transport of passengers, fuel, equipment, and supplies. Onboard, the chefs and stewards keep teams energised with warm meals throughout the journey. Meanwhile, bulldozer operators and mechanics prepare for ice-shelf operations and CAT train traverses that will move bulk cargo inland to the station once the ship reaches the ice edge. (Photo, Captain with part of off duty crew and UJ reserach team)
