The programme, launched in 2006 as a joint initiative between the NRF and the national Department of Science and Innovation (DSI), aims to attract and retain excellent researchers in South African public institutions.
[1] In particular, the government was concerned to deter brain drain while attracting expatriate, foreign, and private-sector researchers.
[2] The initiative is implemented by the NRF, and a small number of chairs are co-funded with donations from interested businesses.
[3] Supporters of the initiative argue that it ameliorates brain drain,[4] boosts research output and capacity for postgraduate supervision,[5][6][7] supports affirmative action efforts in respect of gender and race,[8] and results in broader economic benefits by boosting research and development capacity.
[10][12] Especially in the early years of the initiative, there was debate in the academic community about the equity of the distribution of the research chairs across disciplines and institutions.