Call for applications: Partenariat Hubert Curien (PHC) Protea 2026-2027

The call for applications is now open for the upcoming PHC (Partenariat Hubert Curien) Protea 2026-2027 cohort.

This programme, supported by the French Ministère des Affaires étrangères français (MEAE), Ministère chargé de l’Enseignement supérieur et de la Recherche (MESR), and The National Research Foundation of South Africa (NRF), invites researchers from South Africa and France to apply for joint research projects across all scientific disciplines, including human and social sciences.

As a researcher, you’ll have the opportunity to collaborate on innovative projects, engage with young researchers and doctoral students, and exchange knowledge with experts from both countries. The PHC Protea programme will finance the mobility of both research teams for one year, renewable for a second year.

Eligibility criteria:

• Open to researchers and institutions from eligible organisations as defined by the NRF in South Africa.
• Open to researchers and institutions from higher education establishments and research organisations in France. Companies can also participate if partnered with an academic entity.

Important dates:

• Individual and co-submission deadline: 26 June 2025
• Joint project Selection Committee meeting: October 2025
• Announcement of results: December 2025 via the CampusFrance and NRF websites
• Project start date: Early 2026

How to apply:

• For South African applicants, submit your application online via the NRF submission portal.
• For French applicants, submit your applications via the Campus France portal.