Al Qasimi Foundation Call for Application: Faculty Research Grant 2024

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 or during a sabbatical for up to two (2) months. 

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

• Table of Content
• About Al Qasimi Foundation
• Al Qasimi Foundation Faculty Research Grant
• Aim and Benefits of Al Qasimi Foundation Faculty Research Grant
• Requirements for Al Qasimi Foundation Faculty Research Grant Qualification
• Interview date, Process and Venue for Al Qasimi Foundation Faculty Research Grant
• Application Deadline
• How to Apply

About Al Qasimi Foundation

The Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi Foundation for Policy Research The Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi Foundation for Policy Research was established in 2009 to aid in the social, cultural, and economic development of Ras Al Khaimah, a northern emirate in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Established through Emiri decree by His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, UAE Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, the Foundation is considered a non-profit, quasi-governmental organization.   The Al Qasimi Foundation seeks to generate a world-class body of research on Ras Al K... continue reading

Al Qasimi Foundation Faculty Research Grant

Aim and Benefits of Al Qasimi Foundation Faculty Research Grant

Aims:

• 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 

Benefits:

• Faculty Research Grants provide up to 35,000 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.  

Requirements for Al Qasimi Foundation Faculty Research Grant Qualification

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. 
• 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. 

Interview date, Process and Venue for Al Qasimi Foundation Faculty Research Grant

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 achievements 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 Deadline

How to Apply

Application Process

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

The 2024 research grant submission cycle, which includes Faculty Research Grants, will open early November 2023 with an extended closing deadline of March 1, 2024. Prospective applicants should create an account in the Foundation’s grant management portal and then 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 no later than March 1, 2024 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 in Ras Al Khaimah) 
• Completed Faculty Research Grant Budget Template detailing itemized expenditures and total grant request (not to exceed 35,000 AED) 
• 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)