National Research Foundation (NRF) The National Research Foundation's mandate is to promote and support research in all fields of humanities, the social and natural sciences, engineering and technology, and indigenous knowledge systems. The Foundation provides research funding and research platforms through national facilities and science awareness activities. The Foundation's strategic goals over the medium term are to: . promote both nationally and internationally competitive research as the basis for a knowledge economy; . grow a representative science and technology workforce in South Africa; . provide cutting edge research, technology and innovation platforms; . operate world class evaluation and funding systems; and . contribute to a vibrant national innovation system.