This page provides answers to common questions about the call for topic proposals for fully funded postdoctoral research fellowships. If you have a question that is not addressed below, please contact brandon.perumaul@uct.ac.za and we will update this section with further information where relevant.
Friday, 28 August 2026
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Needs-driven research is an approach focused on solving specific, practical problems and filling real-world gaps rather than just pursuing academic curiosity. It directly targets defined challenges faced by society, industry, or patients. It aims to fill societally relevant evidence, knowledge or practice gaps, where the gap has been identified by or with societal actors.
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No, all postdoc appointments will follow a competitive application process; if your topic is accepted, you are welcome to encourage one or more candidates you would like in the position to apply, but the recruitment process must be open to all.
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Yes, but the programme aims for a diverse set of topics and home departments, so the chances of having a second topic selected are much lower. Another option would be to nominate a topic as lead supervisor each year or nominate multiple topics in the same year but be lead supervisor for 1 topic and co-supervisor for the others.
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There is no age restriction as long as they graduated with a PhD within 3 years of applying.
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No, only the lead supervisor needs to be UCT-based.
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