Qatar National Research Fund (QNRF), a member of Qatar Foundation Research and Development (QF R&D), has recently announced the winners of the fourth cycle of its Graduate Sponsorship Research Award (GSRA).

Out of 152 applications, 16 winning proposals were awarded to graduate students and long-termQatar residents to pursue Masters and Doctorate degrees in either one of the following universities: Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Texas A&M University at Qatar, Qatar University, the University of Sydney, and the University of Michigan. All fall under the pillars of the Qatar National Research Strategy: Energy and Environment, Biomedical and Health, ICT and Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities.

Through investments in cutting-edge research projects, QNRF is working to enhance a science and research culture that supports Qatar’s innovation and technology capacity, helping the nation develop as a hub of research excellence. The GSRA programme aims to build human capital in Qatar and promote postgraduate education in Qatar and abroad by providing fellowship support to outstanding scholars pursuing graduate degrees at approved institutions.

QNRF Director of Capacity Building Dr Aisha Al Obaidly said she is proud that six out of the 16 awardees are Qataris – a significant increase in this cycle.

Through the competitive scholarships offered by QRLP-GSRA, outstanding graduate students will be supported as they undertake their research-based studies within and outside Qatar. At QNRF, we remain focused on Qatar’s priorities by delivering output that is aligned with the Qatar National Research Strategy and in support of the Qatar National Vision 2030.’

GSRA provides research support for up to four years and also supports the continuity of research-based doctoral education while simultaneously building awareness of local research opportunities. While the primary benefit of  GSRA is to assist in building human capital, it also aims to boost Qatar’s reputation as a research hub by offering graduates world-class education and lifelong learning opportunities.

For more information about GSRA and QNRF’s other capacity-building programmes, visit the QNRF website through this link.