Poliomyelitis Research Foundation

About the Poliomyelitis Research Foundation

The Poliomyelitis Research Foundation (PRF) is a South African non-profit body that funds virology research. It calls itself the major funder of virology research in the country. An honorary Board of Trustees governs it, and the trustees come from business, industry and the virology community. A Scientific Advisory Panel of virology heads from several universities guides its decisions.

The Foundation grew out of the fight against polio. Its endowment goes back to a 1976 asset sale that raised about R1.1 million. Since then, the PRF has widened its focus. Today it backs virology as a whole, because viral disease remains one of the biggest health burdens in South Africa. The Foundation is based in Sandringham, Johannesburg, and it works closely with the National Institute for Communicable Diseases.

How the PRF supports students

Students are central to the PRF's mission. The Foundation offers bursaries at three postgraduate levels: BSc Honours, MSc and PhD. In addition, it awards research grants and the James Gear International Fellowship. It also runs Major Impact Projects for larger research efforts.

These bursaries suit students who already hold a degree and plan to specialise in virology. For example, a student might study a virus that affects children, or work on how infections spread in communities. The aim is to build a pipeline of local scientists. As a result, South Africa depends less on outside expertise when new outbreaks appear.

The Foundation has also said that it cannot currently accept applications for postdoctoral fellowships and travel grants. It chose to put its limited money into research grants and student bursaries instead. Therefore, students are a clear priority right now.

What to know before applying

The PRF funds research, so your project must sit within virology. A general medical or health qualification is not enough on its own. You should also hold a strong academic record. Recent calls reported a minimum average of 60% in earlier studies, and a preference for South African citizens and permanent residents. Check the current call to confirm these requirements, because they can change.

Recent calls have run twice a year, with closing dates in about February and September. Late applications are normally not considered. Support usually lasts up to two years for a Master's degree and up to three years for a doctorate, although exceptions exist. You will usually need a short CV, your academic record, proof of registration and a signed application form.

Official guidance on eligibility, deadlines and obligations after an award comes from the Foundation itself. Visit the PRF website for the latest call document, and read it carefully before you submit. Start early, and ask your supervisor to support your plan. A clear and realistic research proposal will strengthen your application.