September 15, 2009

Qatar National Research Fund Opens 3rd NPRP Cycle to Applicants

Qatar National Research Fund Opens 3rd NPRP Cycle to Applicants

•    Significant enhancement to the online submission
•    Record number of applicants anticipated


15th September 09, Doha – Qatar National Research Fund (QNRF) today announced the opening of the online submission website https://www.qnrfsubmission.info for the 3rd National Priorities Research Program (NPRP) cycle. Applicants are invited to submit Letters of Intent for funding from today until 15th October 09.
Grants will range from US$20,000 up to a maximum of $350,000 per proposal, per year, for research projects of one, two or three years.

The National Priorities Research Program is an annual program and the largest funding activity of QNRF. It is the primary means by which the Fund seeks to address both national and global research needs and to pursue opportunities for which Qatar may have a comparative advantage. The NPRP has grown in stature year on year and now attracts considerable international attention with applications received from researchers around the world.

Dr Sattar Al-Taie, Executive Director of QNRF, pointed out:
“What characterizes this cycle is the significant enhancement of the online submission solution especially with regards to budget and project timeline where the latest IT technologies have been utilized to make it users’ friendly”

He also explained what is required:

“What we are looking for in proposals is original thinking and clear benefits for Qatar. This can take the form of attempting to answer research questions that are of national interest, for example in the area of water desalination or diabetes research, or it could be that the project will develop human capital for Qatar. Or it may be that the project is of such importance that it would create international recognition. QNRF is obviously keen to receive proposals from Qatari researchers but any proposal that clearly benefits the country is welcome and collaboration is particularly well received.”

At least 65% of the proposed project funds must be administered by an institution in Qatar and expended within Qatar and at least 50% of the research must be conducted by the research team in Qatar.

Final proposals are required by 14th January 2010 and the awards are expected to be announced in June 2010.

The NPRP funds original, competitively selected research in natural sciences, engineering and technology, medical and health sciences, agricultural sciences, social sciences and humanities. The program is administered using international standards including a peer review process.

-ENDS-

ID : 966
Published:  09/15/2009