Call for Proposals: Young Researcher Grant Program (Kuwait)

Deadline: 15-Dec-2026

The Young Researcher Grant Program, offered by the Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences (KFAS), supports individuals under the age of 33 who do not hold a PhD and want to lead applied or fundamental research projects in science, technology, and innovation. The program is open to students, working professionals, and researchers affiliated with eligible organizations in Kuwait, with projects implemented at local research or academic institutions under the supervision of a qualified mentor with a PhD or equivalent. The grant encourages research that advances scientific fields, introduces innovative methodologies, develops new technologies, or contributes to policy development. Proposals are welcome across science, technology, and innovation disciplines, with particular interest in areas such as health, STEAM education, energy, environment, food and water security, and future economies. International researchers may also participate through a Kuwaiti institution when they can demonstrate substantial collaboration with a Kuwait-based research team. The Young Researcher Grant Program is designed to help early-career researchers develop their research experience and lead meaningful projects before obtaining a PhD. The program is offered by the Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences (KFAS) and supports both applied and fundamental research in science, technology, and innovation. Research projects must be implemented at local research or academic institutions in Kuwait and conducted under the supervision of a qualified mentor who holds a PhD or equivalent qualification. The program is intended for young researchers who want to build research leadership experience while contributing to scientific and technological development in Kuwait. The Young Researcher Grant Program supports research projects that contribute to scientific, technological, and innovation-related development.

Priority is given to proposals that:

Both fundamental research and applied research proposals are eligible, provided they meet the program’s requirements. KFAS welcomes proposals across science, technology, and innovation fields. The program specifically highlights areas such as: Applicants may develop research proposals in other STI fields as long as the proposed work fits within the objectives of the Young Researcher Grant Program. The program is intended for individuals who meet the age, education, and affiliation requirements.

Eligible applicants must:

Eligible affiliations include:

International researchers may apply, but they must do so through a Kuwaiti institution. International applicants must also demonstrate substantial collaboration with a Kuwait-based research team. This requirement ensures that the proposed research has a meaningful connection to Kuwait’s local research and academic ecosystem. Young researchers are expected to conduct their projects under the supervision of a qualified mentor. The mentor must hold a PhD or equivalent qualification. The supervision structure is intended to provide research guidance while allowing eligible young researchers to lead their own applied or fundamental research projects. Applications must be submitted through the Grant Management System (GMS). Applicants should prepare their research proposal and supporting documentation according to KFAS requirements.

The application includes:

Applicants should ensure that all information is complete and consistent before submitting the application. If a research project involves co-funding, applicants must clearly explain the arrangement.

Co-funding information should be:

Applicants should make sure that all sources of project funding are transparently presented in the application. Applicants must follow the guidelines and policies established by KFAS. The program requires applicants to comply with the relevant provisions of the: Researchers should review these requirements carefully before submitting their proposals. Applicants should ensure that their proposal clearly explains the research problem, objectives, methodology, and expected contribution.

Important areas to address include:

A well-structured proposal should make it easy for reviewers to understand the research objectives, implementation approach, expected results, and relevance to the program. Applicants should remember the following requirements:

Applicants should avoid:

Young researchers can strengthen their applications by: Early-career researchers often need opportunities to lead research projects and develop independent research experience before pursuing advanced qualifications. The Young Researcher Grant Program provides a pathway for eligible researchers under 33 to lead applied or fundamental research while working with established research and academic institutions in Kuwait. By supporting projects in areas such as health, energy, environment, STEAM education, food and water security, and future economies, the program also encourages research that can contribute to scientific advancement and address emerging challenges. The emphasis on innovative methodologies, new technologies, and policy development provides opportunities for young researchers to connect scientific research with broader development needs. The Young Researcher Grant Program is a KFAS initiative supporting individuals under 33 who do not hold a PhD to lead applied or fundamental research projects in science, technology, and innovation. Individuals under 33 who do not hold a PhD and have at least a bachelor’s degree may be eligible if they are affiliated with an eligible institution or organization in Kuwait and meet the other program requirements. No. The program is intended for researchers who do not hold a PhD. Yes. International researchers may apply through a Kuwaiti institution and must demonstrate substantial collaboration with a Kuwait-based research team. The program welcomes research across science, technology, and innovation. Highlighted