Faculty Research Grants, Al Qasimi Foundation, Ras Al Khaimah (Emirats arabes unis) — LIMITE : 01/03/2014

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 months or during a sabbatical.

Faculty Research Grants cover housing for a period of up to two months and return economy class airfares. In addition, the Al Qasimi Foundation provides office space, research support, and administrative assistance. Recipients are expected to produce at least one working paper and make at least one presentation to members of the local research community. They may also be asked to provide interviews to local media channels regarding their research as part of the Al Qasimi Foundation’s broader communication efforts. Please see 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, new ideas, and creates understanding.

Grant Eligibility

The minimum eligibility criteria for applicants seeking Faculty Research Grants:

• Current faculty member at an accredited tertiary institution who holds a doctorate or other terminal degree.
• Must have a minimum TOEFL score of 600 or IELTS score of 6.5 if English is a secondary language.
• 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.

Selection Criteria

If an applicant meets the minimum eligibility criteria noted above, they are 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, record of scholarly research and publications, and reputation of an applicant’s current institution as well as those where they earned their 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 the Ras Al Khaimah emirate.

Application Process

The deadline for the current application cycle is March 1, 2014. To apply, interested faculty should submit the following materials to info@alqasimifoundation.rak.ae:

• Introductory cover letter addressing reason(s) for interest in the Faculty Research Grants, areas of expertise and inquiry, as well as prior experiences, research, and skills relevant to the proposed project and work of the Al Qasimi Foundation.
• CV or resume outlining educational background, publications, work experience, honors and awards, and professional association affiliations.
• Research proposal that includes the research question, literature review, proposed methodology, and expected results. The proposal should also include information on potential dates and duration of the field research in Ras Al Khaimah.
• Comprehensive, detailed budget of all expected costs and a list of facilities, special equipment, or other resources necessary to conduct the proposed research.
• Official documentation of IRB approval for the proposed research from the applicant’s home institution.
• Letter of support from the applicant’s home institution.
• Letter of recommendation from an academic colleague, which must indicate the length of time, extent, and nature of their relationship with the applicant.

Please Note: While information on the Al Qasimi Foundation’s Faculty Research Grants is provided in Arabic for accessibility purposes, due to the English requirements outlined above (minimum 6.5 IELTS or 600 TOEFL scores) all application materials should be submitted in English. This includes the online form and applicant’s cover letter, curriculum vitae (CV), research proposal, and budget. The IRB documentation, institutional letter of support, and letter of recommendation may be submitted in Arabic if this is the institution’s official language of business or colleague’s primary language.