Grasslands Programme: Funding available for MSc, PhD or Post-doctorate Projects in 2010

The Postgraduate Bursaries are available to students who are registered or intending to register full- time for MSc, PhD or Post-Doctorate degrees in 2010 at any university which has the resources to support the intended field of research.

The bursaries are funded by the Grasslands Programme and funding requests of up to R100 000 will be approved if they have sufficient merit. REQUIREMENTS Applicants must be South African citizens or permanent residents, must meet the university entry requirement and be accepted at a recognised South African university.

Computer literacy, a driver’s license, good written and spoken English are essential. The bursary will be available for the prescribed period of study (MSc – 2 years, PhD – 3 years and PostDoc – 2 years) provided the bursar demonstrates satisfactory academic performance. For further requirements and conditions of the grants, please obtain and refer to the Terms of Reference from Mahlodi Tau (contact details below). FIELD OF STUDY The Postgraduate Bursaries will support priority research areas identified from the grasslands research strategy (copy of the research strategy available from www.grasslands.org.za).

Research projects must demonstrate linkages with topics identified in the research strategy under these themes:

Research on pressures, threats and adaptation of the grasslands
Quantifying and monitoring biodiversity and ecosystem services
Predictive understanding of ecosystem response to change
Supporting conservation actions and plans by Conservation authorities

Preference will be given to research projects that support the implementation of the UNDP-GEF- funded programme of mainstreaming biodiversity objectives into major production sectors operating on the grasslands biome, namely, agriculture, urban, forestry and coal mining.

Applications

Applicants must submit a curriculum vitae, a full academic record and the names and contact details of two referees, together with a brief research proposal. Further details on application and proposal requirements are available in the Terms of Reference.

Research proposals should be emailed to: m.tau@sanbi.org.za or posted to Mahlodi Tau, Grasslands Programme, Private Bag X101, PRETORIA, 0001. Tel: 012-843-5000

CLOSING DATE: 31 March 2010