ERSA invites proposals for research on the economics of health and healthcare in South Africa. Explore themes, guidelines, funding details, and submission deadlines ahead of 2 February 2026.
Request for Proposals: Economics and Health Policy in South Africa—Time for Alignment
South Africa stands at a pivotal moment in its health policy landscape. With widening socio-economic disparities, a burdened public health system, and an evolving set of national priorities, the need for evidence-based, economically grounded health research has never been more pressing.
In response, Economic Research Southern Africa (ERSA) has announced a significant Call for Proposals under its Human Capital Policy Research Programme, aimed at aligning economic research with actionable health policy reform.
This initiative invites researchers, academics, and interdisciplinary teams to submit proposals that explore critical intersections between economics, health systems, and policy innovation.
Why This Research Matters
ERSA recognises that economic forces have a direct impact on the health outcomes of South Africans. Limited resources, inequitable access, and inefficiencies within the health system create a cycle that undermines national development.
The initiative seeks to break this cycle by producing research that will:
- Inform policy decisions
- Strengthen the health system
- Address inequities
- Contribute to sustainable economic and social development
The ultimate goal is to generate robust, high-quality evidence that empowers policymakers to design a health system fit for South Africa’s long-term progress.
Research Themes: Six Priority Areas
ERSA encourages proposals that fall within one or more of the following thematic streams:
1. Health System Performance and Financing
Exploring how systems operate, how resources are allocated, and how financing structures influence service delivery.
2. Health Service Design, Costing and Implementation
Understanding how health programmes are designed, costed, and executed—and how these processes can be improved.
3. Health Technology Assessment (HTA)
Evaluating technologies, medicines, and interventions to guide evidence-based decision-making.
4. Equity, Access, and Social Determinants of Health
Addressing how poverty, geography, discrimination, and structural barriers impact health outcomes.
5. Behavioural and Informational Economics in Health
Examining how information, misinformation, incentives, and behaviours shape health system performance.
6. Global and Context-Specific Comparative Health Economics
Comparative work that connects South Africa’s challenges to global best practices.
A more detailed breakdown of research questions and guidance on available data sources can be accessed through ERSA’s official resources.
Submission Guidelines
ERSA invites proposals for working papers that demonstrate strong academic potential and policy relevance. While no strict methodological restrictions apply, several principles will guide selection.
Proposals Should Demonstrate:
- Clear policy relevance
- Academic novelty and innovation
- Feasible use of available data
- Alignment with priority themes
Interdisciplinary approaches—particularly those blending household, facility, and administrative data—are highly encouraged.
Studies using new or novel datasets, including original survey data, may receive priority consideration.
Primary Data Collection
Compelling proposals requiring new data collection will be considered. However:
- Funding is limited
- Projects must be completed within 12 months
ERSA values qualitative and descriptive research but will prioritise proposals that can provide empirical depth and actionable insights.
Submission Process
All proposals must be submitted via ERSA’s online form.
➡️ Click Here to Submit Your Proposal
(Insert link)
Proposal Deadline:
2 February 2026
Review Process:
- Proposals are reviewed by ERSA’s Research Committee.
- Committee members with potential conflicts of interest will not review proposals from colleagues.
- External reviewers may be engaged as needed.
Notification of Results:
23 February 2026
Expectations for Accepted Proposals
Researchers whose proposals are accepted will commit to several deliverables throughout the project lifecycle:
1. July 2026 – Researcher Workshop
Presentation of preliminary findings.
2. December 2026 – Conference Presentation
Presentation of near-final results at an ERSA-hosted conference.
3. January 2027 – Final Working Paper Submission
Submission to the ERSA Working Paper Series.
4. April 2027 – Policy Brief Submission
A concise policy brief, executive summary, or economic note summarising findings for policymakers.
ERSA may request progress reports during the project period to ensure milestones are met.
Funding and Support
ERSA provides structured financial and dissemination support for accepted papers.
Standard Funding:
- R50,000 upon acceptance into the ERSA Working Paper Series
(after the formal review process)
Additional Funding:
- Up to R100,000 for primary data collection
- Awarded based on value for money and methodological justification
Researchers retain full ownership of their work, while ERSA supports dissemination to ensure findings reach the academic, policy, and public spheres.
Why Researchers Should Apply
This call offers a unique opportunity to produce meaningful research that:
- Influences national policy
- Enhances public understanding
- Contributes to long-term health system reform
- Strengthens South Africa’s human capital development
By bridging the gap between economics and health, researchers can help shape evidence-driven policies that improve outcomes for millions of people.
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