The Doctoral Research Grants encourage scholars from a wide range of
disciplines and professional fields to undertake research toward
informing policy making 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.
Objectives.
The grant objectives are
- To
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; - To foster high-quality research that supports the development of the region’s research capacity;
- To
build a community of scholars and promote collaboration among highly
recognized international universities and national institutions in the
United Arab Emirates; - To promote cross-cultural exchange that sparks curiosity and new ideas and also facilitates understanding.
Eligibility.
- Applicant must be a current PhD student at an accredited university in good academic standing.
- Applicant must have a minimum TOEFL iBT score of 85 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. - 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.
Al Qasimi Foundation’s Doctoral Research Grants.
- 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.
Selection Criteria.
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.
How to Apply.
Prospective applicants should create an account in the Foundation’s grant management portal and then follow the Doctoral Research Grants application instructions.
The
online application form and all documents below must be uploaded and
submitted in the portal no later than March 1, 2022 to be considered:
- Two-page
essay in the form of a cover letter outlining reasons why the applicant
is interested in a Doctoral Research Grant. The letter should address
(1) prior experiences, coursework, and skills relevant to the proposed
field research; (2) how the proposed research aligns with the Al Qasimi
Foundation’s mission; (3) what the applicant hopes to gain from the
field research experience; and (4) how the field research experience
fits into the applicant’s long-term academic and professional goals. - CV
or resume outlining educational background, research experience and
publications, work experience, honors and awards, and co-curricular
activities. - Current official transcript of applicant’s doctoral program (and official transcripts for all completed degrees).
- Official copy of a TOEFL or IELTS score report (only necessary for applicants for whom English is a secondary language).
- Copy
of the approved research proposal or preliminary proposal. Please
indicate specific budgetary, facilities, special equipment, or other
resource needs required to conduct the proposed research. The proposal
should also include information on potential dates and duration of the
field research component in Ras Al Khaimah. - 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) - Two letters of reference that address the
suitability of the candidate. One letter must be from the applicant’s
doctoral advisor and the other should be from another academic. Both
letters must indicate the length of time, extent, and nature of the
recommending party’s relationship with the applicant.
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.
Deadline
1st March, 2022
