Deadline: 1 April 2024 – The Al Qasimi Foundation’s Doctoral Research Grants provide a unique opportunity for scholars from various disciplines and professional fields to contribute to policymaking in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). These grants are available to PhD students of all nationalities, studying at accredited universities in the UAE or abroad.
The primary objective of the grants is to financially support PhD candidates in the research phase of their dissertations. Two awards are currently offered each year for applied research projects focusing on Ras Al Khaimah as the primary site for data gathering and analysis.
The Al Qasimi Foundation covers all expenses associated with field research in the UAE for the selected recipients. This includes round-trip airfares, furnished accommodation for up to 12 months, a stipend to cover living costs, and research support. In addition, recipients are expected to produce one to two policy papers and contribute to the local research community by recording a podcast or making a presentation.
The Foundation aims to achieve several objectives through these grants. Firstly, it provides opportunities for exceptional doctoral candidates to conduct innovative and applied research that positively impacts the Ras Al Khaimah community. Secondly, it fosters high-quality research that supports the development of research capacity in the region. Thirdly, it promotes collaboration and cross-cultural exchange among recognized international universities and national institutions in the UAE.
To be eligible for the grants, applicants must meet certain criteria. They must be current PhD students in good academic standing at an accredited university. Proficiency in English, with a minimum TOEFL iBT score of 85 or IELTS score of 6.5, is required for non-native English speakers. Applicants must have completed all coursework and have an approved research proposal focusing on the UAE, specifically Ras Al Khaimah. The proposed research should address education, public policy, or related social science issues.
It’s important to note that research areas such as business or marketing, agronomy, engineering, IT or computer science, laboratory-based or scientific studies, and medical degrees do not qualify for these grants.
For more information of the grant and on past research topics and working papers by grant recipients, applicants can refer to the Past Grantee Database and Foundation Publications on the Al Qasimi Foundation’s website.
The Al Qasimi Foundation Doctoral Research Grants offer a prestigious opportunity for scholars to contribute to policymaking in the UAE while furthering their own academic and professional development.
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