NRF Rating - What is it about?

The evaluation and rating of individuals is based primarily on the quality of the research outputs in the recent past. “Recent”, in the context of the NRF evaluation and rating system, means outputs of the past eight years.

The rating system identifies leaders in their fields of expertise and recognises individuals who produce high quality research outputs.

• The rating is used as a national indicator of excellence and is to the advantage of your faculty and the University in terms of benchmarking.
• Apart from providing access to NRF funds, the rating may assist in leveraging other SU funds, as well as outside funding.
• In some faculties, a rating may impact on the performance appraisal of an individual.

The rating process is coordinated by members of academia who are represented in the following committees:

• 27 Specialist Committees coordinated by a Convener
• The Executive Evaluation Committee
• The Appeals Committee

The ratings that are awarded fall within the following categories:

• A – Leading international researchers
• B – Internationally acclaimed researchers
• C – Established researchers
• P – Prestigious Awards
• Y – Promising young researchers

The next round for NRF rating will open in September 2020 and refers to outputs between 1 January 2013 and 31 December 2020. The evaluation is undertaken by national and international reviewers who are requested to critically scrutinize the research completed during the assessment period. Applications are made either by “established” researchers with a solid track record (categories C, B and A), or by “younger” researchers who show potential to become established within a five-year period (Y), or becoming future leaders in their field (P).

*For more information onf NRF rating, please visit the NRF website.