Requests for Applications: Policy Research Grant Program (Kuwait)

Deadline: 15-Apr-2026

The Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences (KFAS) Policy Research Grant Program invites proposals that generate evidence-based solutions, promote innovation, and contribute directly to policy development. The program supports policy-oriented research across priority domains such as health, energy, environment, food and water security, STEAM education, and future economies, with strong emphasis on real-world impact and policy relevance.

Overview

The KFAS Policy Research Grant Program is designed to support high-quality, solution-oriented research that advances scientific knowledge, fosters innovation, and informs public policy.

The program focuses on translating research into actionable policy recommendations, ensuring that funded projects contribute meaningfully to decision-making, implementation, and long-term societal development.

KFAS encourages interdisciplinary and applied research that addresses national and regional challenges while strengthening Kuwait’s science, technology, and innovation (STI) ecosystem.

Purpose and Strategic Objectives

The core objectives of the KFAS Policy Research Grant Program are to:

Generate practical solutions to complex societal challenges
Advance scientific fields through applied and policy-relevant research
Promote innovative research approaches and methodologies
Support evidence-based policy development and reform
Enable the adoption of new technologies and systems through informed policy

All proposals must clearly demonstrate policy relevance, expected outcomes, and potential pathways to impact.

Priority Research Domains

While KFAS accepts proposals across a broad range of science, technology, and innovation (STI) topics, priority is given to the following domains:

Health
STEAM Education
Energy
Environment
Food and Water Security
Future Economies

Proposals outside these domains may still be considered if they demonstrate strong relevance to STI advancement and policy development.

Eligible Research Approaches

The KFAS Policy Research Grant Program supports a wide range of policy research methodologies, including but not limited to:

Program evaluation
Cost-benefit and cost analysis
Needs assessments
Case studies and single-subject studies
Surveys and questionnaire-based research
Secondary data analysis
Implementation studies
Outcome and impact studies

Each project is expected to produce policy recommendations, policy briefs, and/or draft policies suitable for stakeholder review and implementation.

Who Is Eligible to Apply?

Eligibility extends to applicants from the following sectors:

Research and Higher Education institutions
Public and Governmental organizations
Not-for-Profit organizations and Civil Society Organizations

Private sector organizations:

Eligible to apply only for the Policy Research Proposal Grant

International researchers and institutions:

May apply only through a Kuwaiti institution
Must demonstrate substantial collaboration with a Kuwait-based research team

Collaboration and Institutional Requirements

All projects must demonstrate:

Clear institutional affiliation
Active collaboration between investigators
Alignment with Kuwait’s research and policy priorities

International collaborations must show meaningful knowledge exchange and shared responsibility between local and international partners.

Required Documentation and Compliance

Applicants are strongly encouraged to review all supporting documents before submission. These include:

KFAS Research Grant Manual
KFAS Code of Research Conduct
KFAS Intellectual Property (IP) Policy
KFAS Research Proposal Guidelines
KFAS Young Researcher Grant Guidelines
KFAS CV Template (mandatory for all Principal and Co-Investigators)

These documents define eligibility rules, funding scope, ethical standards, and proposal requirements.

Letter of Intent and Co-Funding Requirements

In addition to the research proposal, applicants must upload a Letter of Intent (LoI) through the KFAS Research Grants Management System.

The Letter of Intent must:

Be issued by the applicant’s affiliated institute or organization
Confirm approval to submit the proposal to KFAS
Clearly outline any co-funding arrangements

Proposals without clear evidence of co-funding in both the budget template and the Letter of Intent will be considered incomplete and may not be evaluated.

How to Apply: Step-by-Step Guide

Review the KFAS Research Grant Manual and proposal guidelines
Define a policy-relevant research question aligned with KFAS priority domains
Prepare a detailed research proposal with clear policy outcomes
Complete the budget template, including co-funding details
Obtain an official Letter of Intent from your institution
Upload all required documents using the KFAS Research Grants Management System
Submit the application online before the stated deadline

New users are encouraged to review the application tutorial available on the KFAS portal before starting their submission.

KFAS Pure Portal and Research Visibility

Funded projects are showcased on the KFAS Pure Portal, a research information management system that:

Highlights funded research projects
Connects researchers and collaborators
Showcases institutional expertise
Enhances visibility of KFAS-supported research

The portal supports knowledge sharing and long-term collaboration across scientific and policy communities.

Why This Grant Matters

The KFAS Policy Research Grant Program plays a critical role in:

Bridging the gap between research and policy
Strengthening evidence-based decision-making
Supporting Kuwait’s innovation and development agenda
Enabling sustainable solutions across key societal sectors
Enhancing the impact of science and technology on public policy

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Submitting proposals without clear policy relevance
Failing to include actionable policy recommendations
Missing compulsory documents, especially the KFAS CV Template
Omitting the institutional Letter of Intent
Not clearly outlining co-funding arrangements
Weak collaboration plans for international partnerships

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the main goal of the KFAS Policy Research Grant Program?

The program aims to fund research that generates innovative, evidence-based solutions and contributes directly to policy development and implementation.

2. Which research domains are prioritized by KFAS?

Priority domains include health, STEAM education, energy, environment, food and water security, and future economies.

3. Can private sector organizations apply?

Yes, but only for the Policy Research Proposal Grant. Other grant types are not open to private sector applicants.

4. Are international researchers eligible to apply directly?

No. International applicants must apply through a Kuwaiti institution and demonstrate substantial collaboration with a local research team.

5. Is co-funding mandatory?

Yes. Co-funding arrangements must be clearly stated in both the budget template and the Letter of Intent.

6. What research methods are supported under this grant?

KFAS supports evaluations, cost analyses, surveys, case studies, secondary data analysis, implementation studies, and outcome research.

7. How are applications submitted?

All applications must be submitted online through the KFAS Research Grants Management System.

Conclusion

The KFAS Policy Research Grant Program offers a strategic opportunity for researchers and institutions to influence policy through high-impact, science-driven research. By prioritizing innovation, collaboration, and real-world outcomes, the program strengthens the role of research in shaping sustainable development and evidence-based policymaking in Kuwait and beyond.

For more information, visit KFAS.