QRDI Fellowship for Displaced Arab Researchers (DAR) in Qatar
Description
Over 30 million people across the Arab world are either internally displaced or refugees. Recognizing the surge in forced displacement across the region, and the responsibility of supporting vulnerable scientific communities, QRDI is launching a fellowship program for Displaced Arab Researchers (DAR). Experts from Palestine, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen, whose careers have been disrupted due to conflict, have an opportunity to continue their research in collaboration with universities in Qatar.
The DAR fellowship program offers displaced scientists the opportunity to continue their research, thus preserving their expertise and skills during periods of crisis. By facilitating collaboration between displaced experts and universities as well as research institutions in Qatar, the program contributes to the country’s growing prominence as a hub for scientific excellence. DAR is open to applicants from Palestine, Sudan, Syria and Yemen interested pursuing research opportunities in Qatar. As a fixed-term fellowship, DAR seeks to prepare scientists for their eventual return, where they can rebuild their home countries’ academic networks and infrastructure, ensuring a lasting impact for regional development.
Priority Areas
All work conducted under the DAR fellowship should be aligned with Qatar’s national priorities, including but not limited to resource sustainability, health, energy, digital technologies, and society. This ensures that the research carried out by fellows is not only relevant to the global scientific community but also contributes directly to Qatar’s strategic goals.
Eligibility
The Fellow:
- Must hold a Ph.D. or equivalent terminal degree as defined by the list of terminal degree in the “Document Library.”
- Must hold a passport or travel document from Palestine, Sudan, Syria, or Yemen.
- Can only be nominated once per cycle.
The Applicant (Primary Research Mentor, PRM):
- Must be a permanent affiliate of an institution with an approved research office in Qatar.
- Must hold a Ph.D. or equivalent terminal degree as defined by the list of terminal degree in the “Document Library.”
- Can only be nominated once per cycle.
Submitting Institutions:
- Must have an approved Research Office (RO).
Selection Process
The selection of researchers for the DAR program is subject to a rigorous and transparent review process. Each project and candidate is evaluated based on their academic track record, research proposal, and potential contributions to areas of importance to Qatar’s national priorities. Only the most qualified and deserving researchers will be selected, ensuring the integrity and effectiveness of the program.
Budget
Funds cover the fellow’s annual stipend and two one-way travel tickets (one joining air ticket and one repatriation ticket upon completion of the project). The host institution is expected to cover other expenses (e.g., housing, health insurance, research consumables).
The budget is distributed as follows:
- Annual Budget: QAR 240,000
- Total Travel Cost: Up to QAR 10,000
Timeline
- Open Application Submission16 September 2024
- Deadline for Application Submission by PRM12 November 2024 12:00 PM (Doha time)
- Deadline for RO Vetting19 November 2024 12:00 PM (Doha time)
- Applications Screening Notification December 2024
- Awards Announcement March 2025
About QRDI
Qatar Research, Development and Innovation (QRDI) Council was established in 2018, representing a new milestone in Qatar’s research, development and innovation (RDI) agenda.
The Council’s first mission was to develop a national strategy that would optimize RDI activities and help realize the country’s overarching goals and ambitions. The Council accomplished this mission at the end of 2019, having drafted the Qatar Research, Development and Innovation Strategy 2030. The Council brings together prominent national and international figures from across government, industry and academia and draws on the wealth of knowledge and expertise of individuals from varied disciplines.
