Objective
The Early Career Researcher Award (ECRA) Program is QNRF’s intensive research and research leadership development award.
The award aims to provide the applicants with time and support to enable them to have an intensive career development focus in research, leading to their research independence and ability to apply for research grants to establish research programs in areas addressing Qatar’s R&D mission.
Researchers, faculty members and clinicians in early stages of their professional research careers are expected to work closely with one senior mentor in the areas of proposed research to become independent researchers, and build new and enhance existing research skills in Qatar. Awardees are encouraged to apply for NPRP by the end of their award.
Program Description
ECRA supports Early Career Researchers (ECRs) to work within Qatar-based research groups in areas of national priority as outlined in the Qatar National Research Strategy (QNRS).
One cycle per year, ECRA provides up to two years of financial support granted to the submitting institution to support an ECR, with the potential to extend for one year with no additional financial support. QNRF provides the submitting institution with funds to pay for the ECR’s salary, research expenses, travel and other personal costs while allowing the ECR to dedicate 60% of his professional time to the project as described in ECRA RFP.
Eligibility
Early Career Researchers (ECRs) candidates should be:
- Nationality: Postdoctoral candidates could be:
- Qatari nationals
- Applicant of Qatari mothers
- Qatari document holders
- Individuals married to Qatari nationals
- Born in Qatar and been residents of Qatar for 10 years or more
- Residents of Qatar for 12 years or more
- Qatar Research Leadership Program (QRLP) graduates
- Work Experience
- Applicants who have between 2 to 7 years of research experience prior
to the starting date of the project are eligible to apply
- Only the number of years of experience occurred post date
of the applicant’s highest degree will be counted
- Research Areas: Research proposals should be in areas representing national research priorities for Qatar.
- Institution: Proposal submission should be through local institutions with approved research offices.
- Education Qualification: Applicants must hold a terminal degree in their
particular field of study as defined under the approved list of terminal
degrees (
see section 18 in the RFP). Medical doctors with at least two published peer reviewed articles are also eligible to apply.
For more details about the eligibility criteria, please read the RFP document available on the download center.
Responsiveness to Challenges
Qatar is investing heavily in its human capital to build a knowledge-based society in order to achieve the Qatar National Vision 2030. ECRA will help build human capital in Qatar by supporting Early Career Researchers to initiate or lead their own research which will help them prepare for NPRP awards. The program will help to promote knowledge and technology transfer and provide incentives for institutions to build the organizational infrastructure needed to support researchers.
Potential Benefits
In addition to helping foster research that will directly benefit the ECRs, this program will also benefit Qatar by addressing its national priorities and contributing to the achievement of its noble vision.