Request for Proposals: Research Group Grant Program (Philippines)

Deadline: 23-Feb-2026

The ISAT U Research Group Grant Program provides funding for collaborative, multi-disciplinary research aligned with university priorities, SDGs, and the national R&D agenda. Research groups of at least three faculty members propose interconnected projects under a common theme, supported by a 5-year research roadmap to ensure sustained impact. The program encourages mentorship, innovation, and institutional research capacity building.

Overview of the Program

The Research Services Division at ISAT U has launched the Research Group Grant Program under the ISAT U Research Grant Scheme to support collaborative and interdisciplinary research. The program aims to address real-world problems, consolidate research expertise, promote mentoring, develop innovations and publications, and enhance ISAT U’s research visibility and institutional capacity.

Program Objectives

• Support multi-disciplinary, collaborative research addressing practical and societal challenges

• Promote consolidation of expertise and mentoring among faculty

• Develop research-based innovations, technologies, and publications

• Strengthen institutional research capacity and increase ISAT U’s visibility

• Align research initiatives with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and national R&D priorities

Eligibility and Group Composition

• Each research group must include at least three active faculty researchers from one or multiple campuses or colleges within ISAT U

• Groups may include Project Leaders, Graduate Research Assistants, and Undergraduate Research Assistants to foster mentoring and skills development

• Groups must assign a Principal Investigator (PI) who leads the group and directly handles one of the proposed projects

Research Project Requirements

• Each group must propose at least three distinct but related research projects under a common theme

• Projects should demonstrate coherence in focus while allowing diversity in approach and outcomes

• The PI ensures coordination and oversight of all group projects

5-Year Research Roadmap

• Groups must submit a 5-year research roadmap outlining:

  • Goals and objectives

  • Project timelines

  • Expected outputs and outcomes

• The roadmap promotes long-term planning and sustained research impact

Why This Program Matters

This initiative enhances research collaboration, strengthens interdisciplinary engagement, and provides structured mentorship opportunities. It encourages the development of innovative solutions, increases the university’s research output, and positions ISAT U as a key contributor to national and global R&D priorities.

How to Apply

1. Form a research group meeting the minimum composition requirements

2. Assign a Principal Investigator

3. Develop a common research theme and propose at least three related projects

4. Include additional team members such as project leaders or research assistants if applicable

5. Prepare a detailed 5-year research roadmap with goals, timelines, and expected outcomes

6. Submit all required documentation according to ISAT U’s Research Services Division guidelines

Common Mistakes & Tips

• Insufficient faculty representation: Ensure the group meets the minimum of three active faculty members

• Lack of project coherence: Align all proposed projects under a clear common theme

• Weak roadmap: Provide detailed, realistic goals, timelines, and measurable outputs

• Incomplete team: Include appropriate supporting researchers to enhance mentoring and research impact

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Who can form a research group? At least three active ISAT U faculty members from any campus or college.

2. What is the minimum number of projects per group? Three distinct but related projects under a common theme.

3. Is including students required? Not mandatory, but Graduate and Undergraduate Research Assistants are encouraged to support mentorship and skills development.

4. What is a Principal Investigator’s role? The PI leads the group, coordinates all projects, and directly manages one of the proposed projects.

5. What must the research roadmap include? Goals, timelines, projected outputs or outcomes, and a plan for sustained impact over five years.

6. Can groups be multi-campus? Yes, faculty from different campuses or colleges may form a group.

7. Why is a common theme important? It ensures cohesion and alignment across multiple projects while allowing diversity in research focus.

Conclusion

The ISAT U Research Group Grant Program fosters interdisciplinary collaboration, mentorship, and long-term research impact. By providing structured funding and requiring a 5-year roadmap, the program strengthens institutional research capacity and encourages faculty-led innovations that address real-world challenges and align with the SDGs and national R&D priorities.

For more information, visit Research Services Division.