The Harry Oppenheimer Fellowship Award is the Trust’s most prestigious award.
It recognises the endeavours of world-class researchers and has helped fund critical and important research that has far-reaching impact.
Harry Oppenheimer strongly believed that ideas matter.
And that society can be better served by supporting an academic to pursue their bold ideas . The award was established in 2001 to commemorate his efforts to support human and intellectual development, and to advance scholarship and encourage ideas.
The award is intended to provide leading academics with the freedom and flexibility to pursue their ideas, and take their thinking to another level. It has a monetary value of R2.5 million.
Who We Award
The fellowship is awarded to scholars of the highest calibre who are engaged in cutting-edge and internationally significant research that has particular application to the advancement of knowledge, teaching, research and development in South Africa and beyond.
We encourage applications from all disciplines.
And over the years, have awarded excellence in the fields from biochemistry and biology, to engineering, history, immunology, mathematics, neuropsychology, philosophy and ethics, to zoology.
Meet Our Past Fellows
Harry Oppenheimer Fellowship Award
We accept nominations from South African Universities, Science Councils, Research & Policy Institutes, and other institutions or agencies of similar national standing. We will also consider applications from individuals who do not have specific institutional affiliations.
Please note
Only applications or nominations submitted via the application portal will be considered. No incomplete or emailed submissions will be accepted. Short-listed candidates should be available for interviews in the first quarter of 2024. Awards are made at the discretion of the Trustees.
Queries: HFO@omt.org.za
2024 submissions closed
Submissions open:
1 July 2023
Deadline for submissions:
31 October 2023