Funding Opportunities

Funding is an critical part of the research process. VCUQatar faculty and students engaging in research can access a range of financial support thanks to Qatar Foundation’s belief that research is essential to national and regional growth.

In addition to the funds and programs below, there may also be other funding opportunities available, so if you have a potential research project and would like advice on how to structure this research, or what funding you could access please contact us.

Qatar National Research Fund (QNRF)

Established in 2006 the Qatar National Research Fund (QNRF) provides funding for original, competitively selected research in engineering and technology, physical and life sciences, medicine, humanities, social sciences and the arts. It offers funding opportunities for researchers at all levels, from students to professionals, in the private, public, and academic sectors to advance knowledge and education on a national, regional and international scale.

The program also aims to foster collaborations within academia and through public private partnership inside and outside of Qatar.  National Priorities Research Program

The National Priorities Research Program is run by QNRF and is their largest funding program. Announced annually it supports research projects between 1 to 3 years up to a maximum of $300,000 per year.

Research projects under this program must prove that they will raise Qatar’s profile within the research community, build human capital and ultimately benefit the nation, region and the world.

Qatar Science & Technology Park (QSTP)

QSTP is home to technology-based companies from around the world, and an incubator for start-up enterprises. QSTP provides premises, services and support programs that help organizations develop and commercialize their technology. It is also a free zone, making it easy and attractive to establish a technology based business within Qatar.

They provide finance for projects and ventures that lead to the creation and growth of technology-based companies through the following stages:

Proof of Concept
New Enterprise
Technology Venture

Undergraduate Research Experience Program (UREP)

This program seeks to stimulate undergraduate research opportunities across Education City through faculty- and other researcher-led projects which involve one or more students.

The program promotes “Learning by Doing” and “Hands-On” mentorship activities as effective methods for undergraduate education. In addition to a research-based education, students gain experience through team-based research collaboration with faculty, postdoctoral fellows, graduate students and other undergraduates or research staff in Qatar. This program supplements existing opportunities and contributes to workforce training and wider participation of women in the economy, by funding activities above and beyond those available through ordinary coursework during the academic year. For example, students may undertake projects during semester and summer breaks.