Faculty Research Grants

The Al Qasimi Foundation's Faculty Research Grants are open to current faculty members at recognized tertiary institutions from across the world. They are designed to sponsor faculty conducting field research in the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah over the summer months or during a sabbatical.

Faculty Research Grants cover housing, modest stipend, and car rental for the grant recipient for a period of up to two months in addition to return economy class airfares. For scholars already based in the UAE, these inclusions can potentially be re-directed to cover research project costs. In addition, the Al Qasimi Foundation provides office space, research support, and administrative assistance.

Recipients are expected to produce at least one policy paper and make at least one presentation to members of the local research community. They may also be asked to write a blog, participate in a podcast, and provide interviews to local media channels regarding their research as part of the Al Qasimi Foundation’s broader communication efforts.

Please see Foundation Publications for samples of past research topics and working papers written by grant recipients.

Grant Objectives

Provide opportunities for distinguished faculty researchers to conduct innovative, applied research and make a positive impact on the Ras Al Khaimah community

Foster high-quality research that supports the development of the region's research capacity

Build a community of scholars and promote collaboration among highly recognized international universities and national institutions in the United Arab Emirates

Promote cross-cultural exchange that sparks curiosity and new ideas and facilitates understanding.

Grant Eligibility

The minimum eligibility criteria for applicants seeking Faculty Research Grants:

Applicant must be a current faculty member at an accredited tertiary institution who holds a doctorate or other terminal degree.
Applicant must have a minimum TOEFL iBT score of 85 or IELTS score of 6.5 if English is a secondary language.
Applicant's proposed research must focus on the United Arab Emirates, and specifically the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah. If the research proposal includes other locations, Ras Al Khaimah must be a significant focus for data gathering and analysis.
Proposed research must address an education, public policy, or closely related social science issue or question. Relevant topics (dependent on research question) may include areas such as education, urban planning/development, public health, economic development, food access, and energy or environmental policy.
Proposed research must have Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval at the applicant's home institution.

Selection Criteria

If an applicant meets the minimum eligibility criteria noted above, the/she is encouraged to apply for a Faculty Research Grant. Grants are awarded based on merit as measured by academic achievement and relevance of the research proposal. Demonstrated intellectual distinction and academic integrity, record of scholarly research and publications, and reputation of an applicant’s current institution as well as those at which he/she earned his/her degrees are all factors in the evaluation process. The applicant’s academic discipline is also considered, with preference given to those whose areas of expertise focus on education, public policy, or closely related fields. The Al Qasimi Foundation Directors and Advisory Board serve as the evaluation and selection committee.

The Grant review process is competitive, and while the Al Qasimi Foundation receives many excellent and high-quality proposals, a maximum of three Faculty Research Grants are available each year. The proposals chosen for funding represent the innovative ideas that align best with the Al Qasimi Foundation’s overall mission to aid in the social and economic development of Ras Al Khaimah.

Application Process

Before applying, please review the grant handbook, as it contains important information for applicants and recipients.

The Foundation is now accepting Faculty Research Grant applications for its 2021 submissions cycle. Prospective applicants should create an account in the Foundation’s grant management portal and then follow the Faculty Research Grants application instructions. The online application form and all documents noted below must be uploaded and submitted in the portal no later than March 31, 2021 to be considered:

Introductory cover letter addressing reason for interest in this particular funding opportunity, brief summary of the proposed project and applicant's expertise, and how the proposal aligns with the Al Qasimi Foundation’s work and mission.
Academic CV or resume
Research proposal (including literature review, methodology, budget, timeline)
Department or institutional letter of support from applicant's university
Letter of recommendation from a colleague, which must indicate the length of time, extent, and nature of the recommending party's relationship with the applicant.
Official documentation of IRB approval for the proposed research from the applicant's home institution (or plans for gaining if not available at time of application)
Official TOEFL or IELTS score report (as applicable)

All materials submitted for funding consideration will automatically become the property of the Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi Foundation for Policy Research and will not be returned to the sender.

Application Deadline

All required materials must be submitted through the grant management portal no later than March 31, 2021. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered. Review generally takes 6-8 weeks based on the volume of submissions received. Applicants should receive an update on the status of their proposal by the middle or end of April 2021. Questions regarding Faculty Research Grants, the application process, or status of a submission may be sent to grants@alqasimifoundation.rak.ae.