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About National Research Foundation (NRF) :

At the National Research Foundation (NRF), we are dedicated to shaping the future through pioneering research and innovation. Established in 2008 under the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, NRF plays a pivotal role in advancing the UAE’s scientific landscape by providing competitive grants, fostering global collaborations, and driving impactful discoveries.

 

Our mission is to support research that not only enhances the nation’s knowledge economy but also creates tangible social and economic benefits. From universities and institutes to private enterprises, we empower researchers with the resources, guidance, and funding needed to address the most pressing challenges of today while crafting sustainable solutions for tomorrow.

 

And a study also is being prepared around the performance of the scientific research in UAE universities in collaboration with Thomson Reuters Foundation in accordance with the international standards for assessing and classifying the published researches in the literature accredited internationally. The Foundation also provided a number of grants and awards, including research grants to fund the projects of faculty members dispatched by the country.


Each research project we fund undergoes rigorous international peer review, ensuring that only the most promising and impactful ideas receive our support. Our commitment to nurturing talent and fostering cross-disciplinary collaboration means we are not only advancing the UAE’s national priorities but also contributing to global scientific progress. Whether it’s solving critical environmental challenges or developing the next technological breakthrough, NRF is where innovation begins.

What We Do

Fueling Research Excellence

We provide competitive funding and support to empower researchers, universities, and institutions to carry out cutting-edge projects.
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Promoting Interdisciplinary Collaboration

We encourage collaboration across diverse fields science, technology, social sciences, and more.
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Driving Innovation for National Growth

Our initiatives are aligned with the UAE’s strategic priorities, ensuring that research contributes to the nation’s socio-economic developmen.
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Championing Global Standards

Every research project funded by NRF undergoes international peer review, ensuring the highest standards of quality, rigor, and global competitiveness.
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Empowering Future Innovators

We are committed to nurturing the next generation of researchers through scholarships, training programs, and research grants.
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“NRF’s support has been instrumental in turning our research into actionable solutions. Their funding allowed us to explore innovative ideas in sustainable energy, and the results have far exceeded our expectations. With their commitment to excellence, we were able to take our project from concept to reality and make a meaningful impact on the UAE’s energy sector.”

 Dr. Aisha Al Mansoori

 Dr. Aisha Al Mansoori, Lead Researcher in Renewable Energy

“NRF’s commitment to fostering innovation and research is unparalleled. The foundation’s focus on quality and impact inspired us to pursue a project that not only addresses the needs of today but paves the way for future developments. With NRF’s support, we’ve been able to contribute valuable findings to the field of environmental science.”

Dr. Omar Al Marri

Environmental Scientist

“The competitive grant from NRF gave our team the opportunity to collaborate with international peers and bring global expertise to our local research. The foundation’s emphasis on interdisciplinary work and rigorous review standards ensured that our research in healthcare innovation was not only groundbreaking but also globally relevant. NRF truly empowers researchers to push boundaries.”

Professor Ahmed Hassan

University of Sharjah