The Al Qasimi Foundation's Doctoral Research Grants encourage scholars from a wide range of disciplines and professional fields to undertake research toward informing policymaking in the United Arab Emirates. The Grants are open to PhD students from all nationalities studying at an accredited university in the United Arab Emirates or abroad.
Doctoral Research Grants financially support PhD candidates in the research phase of their dissertations. Currently, two awards are available each year for applied research projects that have Ras Al Khaimah as a primary site for data gathering and analysis. The Grant covers all student expenses associated with their field research in the United Arab Emirates, including return airfares, furnished accommodation for up to 12 months, a stipend to cover living costs, and research support. Recipients are expected to produce one to two working papers as part of the Grant and make at least one presentation to the local research community.
Grant Objectives
- Provide opportunities for distinguished doctoral candidates to realize their potential in conducting innovative, applied research while making 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 also facilitates understanding
The minimum eligibility criteria for prospective applicants seeking Doctoral Research Grants:
- Applicant must be a current PhD student at an accredited university in good academic standing.
- Applicant must have a minimum TOEFL score of 600 or IELTS score of 6.5 if English is a secondary language.
- Applicant must have all PhD coursework completed and be ready to conduct the field research component of his/her dissertation.
- Applicant must have a research proposal that is approved (or is in the process of being approved) by the applicant’s advisor and graduate program. The approved proposal should include a literature review and significant detail on research methodology.
- The proposed research must have Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval from the applicant's home institution.
- The 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.
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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.
If an applicant meets the minimum eligibility criteria noted above, he/she is encouraged to apply for a Doctoral Research Grant. The Grant is awarded based on merit as measured by academic performance and relevance of proposed research. The applicant’s intended field of study is also considered in the evaluation process, with preference given to those candidates pursuing a degree in education, public policy (such as urban planning, economics, public health, environment), 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. While the Al Qasimi Foundation receives many excellent and high-quality proposals, only two Doctoral 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.
The Al Qasimi Foundation is currently accepting applications for the 2016-2017 academic year. To apply, please complete the online application form and submit all required materials. The deadline for the current application cycle is March 1, 2016.
This opportunity has expired. It was originally published here:
http://www.alqasimifoundation.com/en/WhatWeDo/ResearchOverview/DoctoralResearchGrants.aspx