QNRF launches new cycle of funding for 'junior' scientists

Researchers, aged 40 or under, are now invited to submit a Letter of Intent (LoI) for their proposed projects prior to the deadline of 17 December, 2012, with the final deadline for proposal submissions being noon, Doha time, 31 December, 2012.

QNRF, a member of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development, recently announced the results of the third cycle of JSREP, which awarded nine grants to local academic and research institutions.

A key aim of JSREP is to build human capital in Qatar by supporting junior Qatari and non-Qatari scientists to initiate or lead their own research.

Two research cycles are funded each year by JSREP, with grants of up to $100,000 per project, per year, awarded for a duration of up to three years. The last cycle of JSREP saw 32 proposals submitted, covering a broad range of topics aligned with the Qatar National Research Strategy. The number of Qatari researchers that participated was also the highest in any JSREP cycle to date.

Commenting on this progress, Dr Abdul Sattar Al-Taie, Executive Director QNRF, said, "Since its commencement in 2010, there has been no looking back for JSREP. The increased number of participants in this programme is significant proof not only of its success, but it is also indicative of the success of our vision to help build Qatar's research capacity to address the country's greatest needs and challenges."

QNRF funds original, competitively selected research that addresses the national priority needs of Qatar. It is instrumental in managing funded research projects and facilitating knowledge transfer in Qatar by encouraging collaborative research on an international basis.