QRDI/QNRF Funding Opportunities

Qatar Research, Development and Innovation Council (QRDI)/Qatar National Research Fund Grants (QNRF)

The QRDI/QNRF stands as Qatar’s principal national research funding entity. Renowned for its commitment to nurturing human capital, QRDI/QNRF awards grants designed to enrich Qatar’s societal fabric while making significant contributions on a global scale, thus elevating Qatar’s prominence within the international research arena.

For a concise overview of currently available QRDI grant opportunities, such as the Academic Research Grant (ARG), the National Research Program (NRP), and the Research Talent Program (RTP), please refer to the information provided below.

Further details can be viewed on the QRDI website.

Talent and Capability Building: Talent Grants

Undergraduate Research Experience Program (UREP) – 33rd Cycle
The Qatar Research, Development and Innovation Council (QRDI) has launched the 33rd cycle of the Undergraduate Research Experience Program (UREP). UREP aims to strengthen Qatar’s research culture by supporting hands-on, faculty-mentored research projects for undergraduate students, fostering early research skills and pathways to advanced QRDI funding programs. Priority Areas: Broadly aligned with all national priority areas, including natural sciences, engineering, health, agriculture, social sciences, and humanities. Funding: One-year award of QAR 18,000 per student (maximum 6 students per project), covering student stipends, mentor support, research expenses, and limited indirect costs. Eligibility: Primary Research Mentor (PRM) must be affiliated with an approved institution in Qatar and hold a research-oriented doctorate or approved terminal degree. If the PRM does not hold a terminal degree, collaboration with a qualified Research Mentor or industry mentor is required. Undergraduate students must be full-time students enrolled in Qatar and remain residents in Qatar throughout the project. Key Dates: Start of submission: 17 November 2025 Submission deadline (PRM): 12 January 2026 RO vetting deadline: 19 January 2026 Awards announcement: May 2026 For full details, including the Request for Application, Grant Application Guide, and templates, please visit the official QRDI call page.

Undergraduate Research Experience Program (UREP) – 33rd Cycle

The Qatar Research, Development and Innovation Council (QRDI) has launched the 33rd cycle of the Undergraduate Research Experience Program (UREP). UREP aims to strengthen Qatar’s research culture by supporting hands-on, faculty-mentored research projects for undergraduate students, fostering early research skills and pathways to advanced QRDI funding programs.

Priority Areas:
Broadly aligned with all national priority areas, including natural sciences, engineering, health, agriculture, social sciences, and humanities.

Funding:
One-year award of QAR 18,000 per student (maximum 6 students per project), covering student stipends, mentor support, research expenses, and limited indirect costs.

Eligibility:
Primary Research Mentor (PRM) must be affiliated with an approved institution in Qatar and hold a research-oriented doctorate or approved terminal degree. If the PRM does not hold a terminal degree, collaboration with a qualified Research Mentor or industry mentor is required. Undergraduate students must be full-time students enrolled in Qatar and remain residents in Qatar throughout the project.

Key Dates:
Start of submission: 17 November 2025
Submission deadline (PRM): 12 January 2026
RO vetting deadline: 19 January 2026
Awards announcement: May 2026

For full details, including the Request for Application, Grant Application Guide, and templates, please visit the official QRDI call page.

Scientific Research: National Research

Life-Long Education Call (LiLEC) – 2nd Cycle
The Qatar Research, Development and Innovation Council (QRDI), in collaboration with Education Above All (EAA), has launched the 2nd cycle of the Life-Long Education Call (LiLEC). The program supports short-term, applied research that delivers implementable policy and practice solutions to advance education excellence in Qatar. Priority Areas: Implementation pathways for green education curriculum integration in Qatar Funding: Up to QAR 150,000 for a maximum duration of six months. Eligibility: Lead Principal Investigator must be affiliated with an approved institution in Qatar and hold a terminal degree. Each LPI may submit only one proposal, and total active participation across current and previous LiLEC cycles may not exceed three roles. EAA staff are not eligible to participate. Key Dates: Submission opens: 7 January 2026 Submission deadline (LPI): 18 February 2026 RO vetting deadline: 26 February 2026 Important Notes: Projects must propose practical, evidence-based and implementable outcomes relevant to Qatar’s education system. 100% of effort and 100% of the total budget must be spent inside Qatar. Travel and indirect costs are not eligible. For full details, including the Request for Application and templates, please visit the official QRDI call page.

Life-Long Education Call (LiLEC) – 2nd Cycle

The Qatar Research, Development and Innovation Council (QRDI), in collaboration with Education Above All (EAA), has launched the 2nd cycle of the Life-Long Education Call (LiLEC). The program supports short-term, applied research that delivers implementable policy and practice solutions to advance education excellence in Qatar.

Priority Areas:
Implementation pathways for green education curriculum integration in Qatar

Funding:
Up to QAR 150,000 for a maximum duration of six months.

Eligibility:
Lead Principal Investigator must be affiliated with an approved institution in Qatar and hold a terminal degree. Each LPI may submit only one proposal, and total active participation across current and previous LiLEC cycles may not exceed three roles. EAA staff are not eligible to participate.

Key Dates:
Submission opens: 7 January 2026
Submission deadline (LPI): 18 February 2026
RO vetting deadline: 26 February 2026

Important Notes:
Projects must propose practical, evidence-based and implementable outcomes relevant to Qatar’s education system. 100% of effort and 100% of the total budget must be spent inside Qatar. Travel and indirect costs are not eligible.

For full details, including the Request for Application and templates, please visit the official QRDI call page.

Climate Change and Environment Call (CCEC) – 3rd Cycle
The Qatar Research, Development and Innovation Council (QRDI), in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MoECC), has launched the 3rd cycle of the Climate Change and Environment Call (CCEC). The program supports applied research that delivers implementable solutions aligned with Qatar’s National Environment and Climate Change Strategy, with a strong focus on environmental sustainability and climate resilience. Priority Areas: Biodiversity Conservation, including habitat restoration, endangered species protection, invasive species management, and marine and terrestrial ecosystem resilience in Qatar. Funding: Up to QAR 547,500 per year for up to two years (maximum QAR 1.095M per project). Eligibility: Lead Principal Investigator must be affiliated with an approved institution in Qatar and hold a terminal degree. Each LPI may submit only one proposal, and total active participation across current and previous CCEC cycles may not exceed three roles. MoECC staff are not eligible to participate. Key Dates: Submission opens: 14 January 2026 Submission deadline (LPI): 11 March 2026 RO vetting deadline: 18 March 2026 For full details, including the Request for Application and templates, please visit the official QRDI call page.

Climate Change and Environment Call (CCEC) – 3rd Cycle

The Qatar Research, Development and Innovation Council (QRDI), in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MoECC), has launched the 3rd cycle of the Climate Change and Environment Call (CCEC). The program supports applied research that delivers implementable solutions aligned with Qatar’s National Environment and Climate Change Strategy, with a strong focus on environmental sustainability and climate resilience.

Priority Areas:
Biodiversity Conservation, including habitat restoration, endangered species protection, invasive species management, and marine and terrestrial ecosystem resilience in Qatar.

Funding:
Up to QAR 547,500 per year for up to two years (maximum QAR 1.095M per project).

Eligibility:
Lead Principal Investigator must be affiliated with an approved institution in Qatar and hold a terminal degree. Each LPI may submit only one proposal, and total active participation across current and previous CCEC cycles may not exceed three roles. MoECC staff are not eligible to participate.

Key Dates:
Submission opens: 14 January 2026
Submission deadline (LPI): 11 March 2026
RO vetting deadline: 18 March 2026

For full details, including the Request for Application and templates, please visit the official QRDI call page.

Undergraduate Research Experience Program (UREP) – 33rd Cycle
The Qatar Research, Development and Innovation Council (QRDI), in collaboration with Qatar Museums (QM), has launched the first cycle of the Voices Through Time call. The program supports applied heritage and museum research that preserves cultural heritage, strengthens community identity, advances curatorial and museum practices, and positions Qatar as a global hub for heritage research. Priority Areas: National Collection – Documentation and Analysis National Collection – Utilization and Outreach The Economics of Heritage Funding: Up to QAR 547,500 per year for up to two years (maximum QAR 1.095M per project). Eligibility: Lead Principal Investigator must be affiliated with an approved institution in Qatar and hold a terminal degree. Each LPI may submit only one proposal in this cycle. Key Dates: Submission opens: 14 January 2026 Submission deadline (LPI): 11 March 2026 RO vetting deadline: 18 March 2026 For full details, including the Request for Application and templates, please visit the official QRDI call page.

Undergraduate Research Experience Program (UREP) – 33rd Cycle

The Qatar Research, Development and Innovation Council (QRDI), in collaboration with Qatar Museums (QM), has launched the first cycle of the Voices Through Time call. The program supports applied heritage and museum research that preserves cultural heritage, strengthens community identity, advances curatorial and museum practices, and positions Qatar as a global hub for heritage research.

Priority Areas:
National Collection – Documentation and Analysis
National Collection – Utilization and Outreach
The Economics of Heritage

Funding:
Up to QAR 547,500 per year for up to two years (maximum QAR 1.095M per project).

Eligibility:
Lead Principal Investigator must be affiliated with an approved institution in Qatar and hold a terminal degree. Each LPI may submit only one proposal in this cycle.

Key Dates:
Submission opens: 14 January 2026
Submission deadline (LPI): 11 March 2026
RO vetting deadline: 18 March 2026

For full details, including the Request for Application and templates, please visit the official QRDI call page.

Additional National Research Grants
1.1. Media Horizons – 1st Cycle Media Horizons is a research program launched by the Qatar Research, Development and Innovation Council (QRDI) in collaboration with Al Jazeera Media Network (AJMN). The program supports advanced media technology research aimed at strengthening content authenticity, audience engagement, and journalistic integrity. Research priority areas include: – Expressive Arabic text-to-speech solutions with emotional control for journalism and media applications – Robust and generalizable deepfake detection technologies for high-impact media operations – Each award is up to QAR 300,000 for a duration of up to one year – Submission Deadline: 18 February 2026
1.2. Agentic Artificial Intelligence – 1st Cycle Agentic Artificial Intelligence is a policy- and governance-focused research program launched by QRDI in collaboration with the Qatar Financial Centre (QFC). The program examines pathways for the responsible adoption of agentic AI systems in Qatar. Research priority areas include: – Global trends in agentic artificial intelligence – Regulatory strategies for responsible AI deployment – Practical implementation frameworks for agentic AI in Qatar – Each award is up to QAR 150,000 for a duration of up to six months – Submission Deadline: 18 February 2026
1.3. Modernizing the Charitable Sector – 3rd Cycle The Modernizing the Charitable Sector program is launched by QRDI in collaboration with the Regulatory Authority for Charitable Activities (RACA). The call focuses on innovation and transformation across charitable, humanitarian, and developmental sectors. Research priority areas include: – Generative artificial intelligence applications in charitable, humanitarian, and developmental work – Creativity and novelty in charitable and humanitarian sector models – Each award is up to QAR 150,000 for a duration of up to six months – Submission Deadline: 18 February 2026
1.4. Preserving Qatar’s Heritage – 2nd Cycle Preserving Qatar’s Heritage is a research program launched by QRDI in collaboration with the Qatar National Library (QNL). The initiative supports digital preservation and accessibility of Islamic manuscript collections. Research priority areas include: – AI-enabled text conversion and transcription for Islamic manuscript preservation – Metadata extraction and semantic linking to enhance accessibility and engagement – Each award is up to QAR 300,000 for a duration of up to one year – Submission Deadline: 18 February 2026
1.5. Road to Biopharma – 2nd Cycle Road to Biopharma is a research and policy program launched by QRDI in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH). The program supports innovation, governance, and infrastructure development in Qatar’s biopharmaceutical sector. Research priority areas include: – Advancing biotechnological innovation in biopharma – Biopharma ethics, regulation, and management – Biopharma resource centralization – Each award is up to QAR 300,000 for a duration of up to one year – Submission Deadline: 18 February 2026
1.6. Artificial Intelligence for Qatar – 1st Cycle Artificial Intelligence for Qatar is a national research program launched by QRDI in collaboration with the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT). The program focuses on applied AI solutions with national impact. Research priority areas include: – Artificial intelligence-assisted healthcare – Artificial intelligence-assisted education – Artificial intelligence-assisted tourism – Each award is up to QAR 500,000 per year for a duration of up to two years – Submission Deadline: 11 March 2026
1.7. SEHATech – 1st Cycle SEHATech is a health-focused digital innovation program launched by QRDI in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH). The program supports health data systems, interoperability, and smart technologies. Research priority areas include: – Enhancing interoperability and standardization – Advancing health data management – Harnessing AI, informatics, and smart technologies – Each award is up to QAR 547,500 per year for a duration of up to three years – Submission Deadline: 11 March 2026
1.8. Future Communications – 1st Cycle Future Communications is a technology research program launched by QRDI in collaboration with Ooredoo, focusing on next-generation communication systems. Research priority areas include: – AI-powered networks for secure, efficient, and adaptive telecommunications – 6G technologies and next-generation communication applications – Hybrid satellite, cellular, and fiber network integration – Quantum computing implications for network architectures – Each award is up to QAR 500,000 per year for a duration of up to two years – Submission Deadline: 11 March 2026
1.9. Advancing Neuro and Mental Health Research – 2nd Cycle This program is launched by QRDI in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Health, supporting multidisciplinary research addressing neurological and mental health challenges in Qatar. Research priority areas include: – Epidemiological studies on mental and neurological disorders – Precision mental and neurological health – Emerging technologies for mental and neurological health – Neuromodulation and behavioral therapies – Neurodevelopmental research and early interventions – Each award is up to QAR 547,500 per year for a duration of up to two years – Submission Deadline: 11 March 2026
1.10. Path Towards Precision Medicine – 9th Cycle Path Towards Precision Medicine is a flagship research program launched by QRDI in collaboration with the Qatar Precision Health Institute (QPHI), supporting genomics-driven clinical research. Research priority areas include: – AI, informatics, and technology solutions in precision medicine – Disease risk stratification in population groups – Integration of genomics and other omics in clinical diagnostics – Pharmacogenomics from discovery to implementation – Each award is up to QAR 800,000 per year for a duration of up to three years – Submission Deadline: 11 March 2026
1.11. Food Security – 6th Cycle Food Security is a national research program launched by QRDI in collaboration with the Ministry of Municipality (MoM), supporting applied research aligned with Qatar’s food security strategy. Research priority areas include: – Smart Integrated Disease Management (IDM) for protected vegetable production – Resilient, traceable, and allergen-safe supply chains for specialty-nutrition foods – Agricultural policies and agricultural extension – Digital agriculture and food system innovation – Each award is up to QAR 533,000 per year for a duration of up to three years – Submission Deadline: 11 March 2026

For further inquiries regarding program guidelines and project submissions, please contact the Office of Research Compliance at guqgrants@georgetown.edu.