Qatar National Research Fund (QNRF) recently announced the outcome of its Graduate Sponsorship Research Award (GSRA) and Post-Doctoral Research Award (PDRA) programmes.

GRSA and PDRA form part of Qatar Research Leadership Program (QRLP), QNRF’s capacity-building initiative dedicated to developing homegrown scientists capable of steering the continuous development and sustainability of Qatar’s research agenda, and adding to the nation’s pool of science and research talent.

GSRA 5th Cycle

Of the 84 applications received for the 5th Cycle of the GSRA programme, 22 graduate students were awarded, 12 of whom are Qatari. Twelve students are pursuing PhD programmes, while the remaining ten are enrolled in the MSc programmes. Fifteen students are from local universities and seven from international universities.

The GSRA programme is designed to increase Qatar’s human capacity in research by offering outstanding prospective students a competitive scholarship to undertake graduate studies towards Masteral and doctoral degrees at approved local or international academic institutions. Awarded students are required to develop and implement research projects that address specific research challenges relevant to Qatar’s research mission, strategy, and grand challenges, while broadening their participation in Qatar’s research ecosystem.

PDRA 4th Cycle

QNRF also announced the outcome of the 4th Cycle of its PDRA programme, which supports post-doctoral scholars to work with Qatar-based research groups that focus on areas of national priority, as outlined in the Qatar National Research Strategy (QNRS).

Of the six applications received in the current cycle, three postgraduate fellows from Hamad Medical Corporation, Weill Cornell Medicine – Qatar and Sidra Medicine were chosen for the award. The research proposals of each awardees address the health pillar of QNRS.

According to QNRF Executive Director Dr Abdul Sattar Al Taie, GSRA and PDRA are capacity-building programmes designed to support exceptional students who have demonstrated outstanding talents in addressing key research areas underscored in QNRS.

As awardees embark on the next phase of their academic journey – in which research forms an integral part – we are confident that the outcomes of their research will go on to fulfil Qatar’s strategic objectives.’

For more information about the QNRF programmes, visit qnrf.org.