Qatar National Research Fund Launches Its Junior Scientists Research Experience Program

• Program changes name to Junior Scientists Research Experience Program (JSREP)
• Program supports junior scientists’ research with up to US $100,000 per year

Qatar National Research Fund (QNRF), a member of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development, announced today the launch of the third cycle of its Program previously known as Young Scientists Research Experience Program (YSREP). Now named Junior Scientists Research Experience Program (JSREP), it continues to provide support to Qatari and expatriate scientists starting a research endeavour independently or within a research team in any of the fields of science and technology.

Candidates applying for funding under this Program must hold a doctorate (PhD or MD) or terminal academic research degree in their field of expertise. Applicants should be affiliated to a local institution in Qatar, which will vet and submit the research proposal on their behalf, and must remain so for the entire duration of the project.

On the main objectives of JSREP, Dr Abdul Sattar Al Taie, Executive Director - QNRF, said, “JSREP provides timely support to junior scientists in Qatar to start their own research projects and lead their independent research teams. The Program is now an established milestone in building research capacity and sustaining the research culture in Qatar.”

JSREP will fund each project with up to US $100,000 per year. The duration of each project can be up to three years. Junior scientists leading the project can work individually or with a research team from their institution.

Aiming to increase the number of junior scientists in Qatar it supports for this cycle of the Program, QNRF has decided to introduce changes to some of the eligibility criteria. For example, the participation age limit has been changed from 35 to 40 years of age and two peer-reviewed scientific publications are no longer a requirement for Qatari junior scientists.

Applicants should submit a Letter of Intent by 4 June 2012, while the deadline for submission of proposals is 25 June 2012. The awards are expected to be announced by the end of September. The full application process can be conducted online through the QNRF website, which also contains detailed information on the selection process and its course.

JSREP is one of four QNRF funding Programs which also include the National Priorities Research Program (NPRP), the Undergraduate Research Experience Program (UREP), and the Secondary School Research Experience Program (SSREP).