TransformRAK Seed Grants

The TransformRAK Seed Grants are a competitive funding opportunity offered by the Al Qasimi Foundation, an organization dedicated to fostering applied research and community engagement within the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah and the broader United Arab Emirates. The grants are part of the Foundation’s TransformRAK: Research for Tangible Impact initiative, which seeks to move academic research beyond publication into actionable, real-world impact. Through this grant program, the Foundation supports innovative ideas that directly inform policy and benefit communities in Ras Al Khaimah or other parts of the UAE. The Seed Grants are designed to nurture early-stage, experimental research projects that address key public policy priorities. Eligible projects may explore data gaps, pilot interventions, or test prototypes with the potential for meaningful community impact. Applicants may be based in the UAE or internationally, but all proposals must involve a UAE research site and demonstrate direct relevance to Ras Al Khaimah. The grants encourage interdisciplinary approaches, with a preference for research topics in education, public health, urban development, or closely related social science fields. Each Seed Grant provides up to AED 75,000 annually for a project duration of up to 24 months. Funding may be used for a range of research-related expenses, including travel, accommodation, research assistance, data collection, translation, equipment, events, and publication costs. Successful applicants must produce practical deliverables aimed at informing policy and fostering community learning. Required outputs include a concise final report, a policy paper or op-ed, and a presentation at a Research Majlis hosted by the Foundation. To qualify, applicants must be affiliated with a top 200 globally ranked university (based on QS or THE rankings) or possess equivalent professional expertise. The lead applicant must be a current faculty member at an accredited tertiary institution and hold a doctoral degree. Each proposal must outline a feasible timeline, a realistic budget, and clearly defined deliverables. Additionally, applicants are required to submit proof of submission to their home institution’s Institutional Review Board (IRB). The application process is administered through the Foundation’s online grants portal. Applicants must create an account and submit all required documentation, including a 90-second video presentation, curriculum vitae, detailed research proposal, letters of recommendation and support, confirmation of IRB submission or training, and any other relevant materials. The application cycle opens in early December 2025 and closes on April 1, 2026, at 23:59 GST. Late or incomplete submissions will not be considered. All submitted proposals undergo a multi-stage review process that includes administrative screening, external peer review, and final approval by the Foundation's senior management. Successful applicants are typically notified by late May 2026. Projects are expected to begin between June and September of the same year. The Foundation awards a maximum of two Seed Grants per cycle, making the process highly competitive. Selected projects exemplify innovation, scholarly excellence, and strong potential for policy or community impact.

Proposals must clearly demonstrate policy relevance, feasibility, sustainability, and potential for impact in Ras Al Khaimah.