The Harry Oppenheimer Fellowship Award is the Trust’s most prestigious award. It recognizes the endeavors of world-class researchers and has helped fund critical and important research that has a far-reaching impact.
Harry Oppenheimer strongly believed that ideas matter. And that society can be better served by supporting academics in pursuing their bold ideas . The award was established in 2001 to commemorate his efforts to support human and intellectual development, and to advance scholarship and encourage ideas.
The Trust was established in 1958 by the late Mr Harry Oppenheimer in memory of his father, Sir Ernest, and has a long tradition of investing in education and related fields. The Harry Oppenheimer Fellowship was initiated by the Trustees in 2000 and is the Trust’s most prestigious award.
The award is intended to provide leading academics with the freedom and flexibility to pursue their ideas, and take their thinking to another level. It has a monetary value of R2.5 million.
- The Award seeks to attract world-class candidates with visionary ideas based on an exceptionally well- developed grasp of a field or topic.
- It is intended to enable scholars based in South Africa to undertake a programme of work that will ‘build the academy’ and contribute richly to intellectual life.
- It aims to strengthen relationships and partnerships between local and international institutions and the Trust.
The fellowship is awarded to scholars of the highest calibre who are engaged in cutting-edge and internationally significant research that has particular application to the advancement of knowledge, teaching, research and development in South Africa and beyond.And over the years, have awarded excellence in the fields from biochemistry and biology, to engineering, history, immunology, mathematics, neuropsychology, philosophy and ethics, to zoology.
Benefits
- The Award carries a monetary value of R2.5 million.
- Funds will be disbursed in two instalments – an initial payment in advance and the second at the half way stage, on submission of a progress report to the Trust.
- The Fellow will be required to submit a reflective report (including commentary on the impact of the
work) to the Trust within six months of completion of the programme and undertake to deliver a
public lecture on the work. - It is intended to enable scholars based in South Africa to undertake a programme of work that will
‘build the academy’ and contribute richly to intellectual life. - It aims to strengthen relationships and partnerships between local and international institutions and
the Trust.
Eligibilities
The Trust will consider candidates who:
- Are residents of South Africa (age is not a factor in selection)
- Are outstanding achievers and very well established in their field
- Are regarded as leading scholars internationally, have undertaken advanced research for many years
and have a track record of sustained intellectual effort - Present submissions that describe a clearly focused and specific project that offers a ‘visionary idea’
that represents a paradigm shift in current thinking, seeks to make important discoveries and contributes significantly to new knowledge - Demonstrate a commitment to transferring skills and building capacity in South Africa
Eligible Regions: South Africa
Application Process
Written submissions must be supported by the following information:
- An up-to-date curriculum vitae (not exceeding 6 pages)
- A complete list of publications
- A brief synopsis in lay terms (2 to 3 A4 pages) of the work to be undertaken, together with a written motivation explaining the reasons for the work
- Details of the proposed work programme, including estimated timeframes and costs (specifying the major components of the budget and associated expenses within the limit set and based on realistic needs) and commentary on the envisaged outputs and outcomes
- Current reports from four highly-placed referees of international standing who are familiar with the candidate’s work. Referees should be properly briefed about the nature of the Award and its significance so that their remarks are directed appropriately. Referees will be invited to submit their letters directly on the portal by way of a secure link. The Trust reserves the right to contact referees or other experts for further information
Note: Applicants are encouraged to apply on the portal directly, and not use an administrator
to upload on their behalf, however there is functionality to add the applicant to all communication.
Application Deadline: October 30, 2024 (2 Days Remaining)
