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Faculty Research Grants
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    Faculty Research Grants

     
     
    The Al Qasimi Foundation's Faculty Research Grants are open to current faculty members at recognized tertiary institutions worldwide.
     

    Faculty Research Grants provide up to 50,000 AED for direct, project-related expenses, such as travel (airfare, car rental, accommodation, living stipend, visa), research assistant support, equipment purchases, translation, event hosting, and printed materials. In addition, the Al Qasimi Foundation provides office space, research support, and administrative assistance.

    Recipients are expected to produce a policy paper as part of the Grant, write a blog, or make at least one presentation to the local research community. They may also be asked to record a podcast or record a short video interview regarding their research as part of the Al Qasimi Foundation’s broader communication efforts.

    Please see the Past Grantee Database and 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 90 or IELTS score of 6.5 if English is a secondary language.
    • The proposed research must include Ras Al Khaimah or the United Arab of Emirates as at least one part of the research.
    • Proposed research must address one of the foundation’s key areas; education, public health and urban development or closely related social science issue or question.
    • 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, he/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, a 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, only a limited number of Faculty Research Grants can be awarded annually. 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 2026 research grant submission cycle, which includes Faculty Research Grants, will reopen in November 2025. Prospective applicants should create an account in the Foundation’s grant management portal and follow the Faculty Research Grant application instructions once submissions open. The online application form and all documents noted below must be uploaded and submitted in the grant management portal to be considered:

    • Online application form in the grant management portal
    • Introductory cover letter addressing the reason for interest in this 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, timeline and potential field research dates )

    • Completed Faculty Research Grant Budget Template detailing itemized expenditures and total grant request (not to exceed 50,000 AED)

    • Department or institutional letter of support from the applicant's university
    • Letter of recommendation from a colleague 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.

    2025 Grant Cycle: Review Timeline & Applicant Updates

    For proposals submitted during the 2025 cycle, the review process generally takes 6-8 weeks, depending on the volume of submissions received. Applicants can expect to receive an update on the status of their proposal by the end of June 2025.

    For any questions regarding Faculty Research Grants, the application process, or the status of a submission, please contact grants@alqasimifoundation.rak.ae.