Human Sciences Research Council

The Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) is a statutory council dedicated to conducting human and social science research that is in the public interest. Our research aims to advance South Africa and Africa’s understanding of and engagement with its social conditions and contexts within which these social conditions occur. The knowledge we generate seeks to contribute to local, regional and global understandings of the human and social conditions of people, and the processes and interventions, which will assist in the improvement of their social standing. This is with the aim to be a hub of knowledge production, translation and dissemination for policy-makers as well as the broader public. Poverty and Inequality are two of the most critical issues facing South Africa. These phenomena are responsible for, and exacerbate, many of the most serious challenges South Africans have to deal with on a daily basis which includes shortages of basic provisions such as food and shelter, health, well-being and the fulfillment of their personal aspirations. The HSRC’s research strategy seeks to:

• Enhance the analysis of current forms, patterns and trajectories of poverty and inequality • Improve understanding of the drivers, dynamics, and structural constraints underlying the contemporary situation
• Explore the opportunities, triggers, and tools for transforming current pathways and processes through action by the government and other social institutions.

In addition, the HSRC is one of the critical actors mandated to address social issues within the National System of Innovation and seek to help the country understand how science, technology, and innovation can play a defining role in addressing poverty and inequality.