Call for Researchers: Join the DSFSI Lab for the 2027 Academic Year

Current AI development is rapidly accelerating, yet many of the world’s languages and contexts remain underrepresented in the datasets that power these systems. At the Data Science for Social Impact (DSFSI) Lab at the University of Pretoria, we believe that technology is only truly “intelligent” when it is inclusive, context-aware, and capable of serving the communities it impacts.

Our work sits at the vital intersection of Data Science for Society and Local Language Natural Language Processing (NLP). We aren’t just building models; we are building tools that empower decision-makers, support underrepresented languages, and create a more equitable digital future.

The Call: Join Our Research Community

To continue this mission, we are looking for the next cohort of researchers to join us for the 2027 academic year. We are looking for thinkers, builders, and innovators who want to apply rigorous data science to real-world social challenges.

We are officially opening Phase 1 of our recruitment cycle.

Understanding our Two-Phase Recruitment Cycle

To ensure our students have sufficient time to secure financial support, we operate recruitment in two distinct windows:

Phase 1: Funding-Focused (15 May – 30 June 2026) This window is mandatory for Postdoctoral Researchers, PhD, and MSc applicants who require financial support (fellowships, research assistantships, etc.). This timeline allows us to coordinate with funding bodies to ensure you have the necessary resources to focus on your research.

Phase 2: Program-Specific & Self-Funded (August 2026) This window is reserved for Honours and MITc students, as well as MSc and PhD applicants who have already secured external funding or are self-funded.

[!IMPORTANT] If you require financial support to pursue your research, you must apply during Phase 1.

What to Expect at DSFSI

Joining DSFSI is more than just a degree; it is joining a collaborative research ecosystem. Our members benefit from:

• Mentorship: Bi-weekly sessions with experienced researchers.
• Community: A multidisciplinary environment of scholars and practitioners.
• Impact: Research that moves beyond theory and directly into community empowerment.
• Infrastructure: Access to the computing resources and networks necessary for high-level NLP and Data Science research.

How to Apply

We value diversity in discipline, background, and experience. Whether you are a seasoned researcher or a career-switcher with a passion for social impact, we welcome your application.

1. Review the Pathways: Visit our Prospective Students Page to understand our research themes and eligibility.
2. Prepare your CV: To ensure a smooth review, please follow our DSFSI CV Guide (ensure your CV is in PDF format).
3. Submit your Application: Once the window is open, you can access the internal application form via our Application Portal.

Join us in building a data science future that works for everyone.

— The DSFSI Team