Description

Award Ceremony: 20 August 2026 (Women’s Month)
Eligibility: Women who are South African citizens or permanent residents

Overview

• Organised by the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI)
• Recognises excellence of women in science and promotes role models
• 2026 Theme: “Placing women at the centre of science, technology and innovation (STI)”
• Focus on advancing gender equality and strengthening women’s leadership in STI

Award Categories

1. Distinguished Women Researchers

• Fields:
  • Humanities & Social Sciences
  • Natural & Engineering Sciences
  • Public Engagement with Science
  • Special category: Innovation for Impact: Women Leading Change
• Requirement: ≥5 years independent research experience

2. Distinguished Young Women Researchers

• Same fields as above
• Requirement:
  • PhD holder
  • Under 40 (or turning 41 in award year)

3. DSTI Fellowships

• 7 Master’s + 7 PhD fellowships
• Fields include:
  • Natural sciences, engineering, humanities & social sciences
  • Marine sciences, astronomy, public engagement

Special Category: Innovation for Impact

• Recognises research translated into real-world solutions
• Criteria:
  • Demonstrated implementation (product, service, policy, etc.)
  • Measurable social/community impact
  • Clear pathway from research to application

Funding & Awards Value

• Distinguished Women Researchers:
  • Winner: R95,000 | 1st runner-up: R70,000 | 2nd runner-up: R45,000
• Distinguished Young Women Researchers:
  • Winner: R85,000 | 1st runner-up: R60,000 | 2nd runner-up: R35,000
• Special Category:
  • R100,000 (senior) | R90,000 (young)
• Fellowships:
  • Master’s: R70,000
  • PhD: R90,000
• No restrictions on use of awards

Evaluation Criteria

• Research outputs and impact (alignment with DSTI Decadal Plan)
• Societal, environmental, and economic contribution
• Human capacity development and mentorship
• Contribution to gender equality and empowerment
• Collaboration and science engagement
• For Public Engagement:
  • Evidence of outreach or citizen-science involvement

Fellowship Evaluation Criteria

• Academic performance and research quality
• Feasibility and relevance of research
• Potential for future impact
• Initiative, independence, and collaboration
• Public engagement awareness (where applicable)

Application Process

• Submit electronically to: [email protected]
• Include:
  • Completed application form
    • Download the Application Form for Researchers (Click Here)
    • Download the Application for Students (Click Here)
  • Supporting documents per category
  • Short applicant profile
• Only one category per applicant
• Late submissions not accepted
• Only shortlisted candidates contacted (by end of July)

Key Requirements

• ID (certified copy)
• Reference letters (typically 3)
• Evidence of research outputs, innovation, and engagement
• Additional documents depending on category

Important Notes

• Previous winners (last 10 years) cannot reapply for the same category
• Fellowship recipients cannot reapply for the same degree
• Winners may participate in DSTI public awareness initiatives