Request for Proposals: Fundamental Research Grant Program (Kuwait)

Deadline: 15-Dec-2026

The Fundamental Research Grant Program, established by the Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences (KFAS), supports scientists and researchers in Kuwait to conduct original research across a broad range of scientific disciplines. The program aims to strengthen research capabilities, encourage the generation of new knowledge, and advance scientific research in Kuwait, with priority given to health, STEAM education, energy, environment, food and water security, and future economies. The program also welcomes competitive proposals in broader Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) areas. Researchers from research and higher education institutions, public and governmental sectors, not-for-profit entities, and civil society organizations can apply, while international researchers must apply through a Kuwaiti institution and demonstrate substantial collaboration with a Kuwait-based research team. The Fundamental Research Grant Program is a KFAS initiative designed to foster original scientific research within Kuwait. Unlike programs focused primarily on immediate practical applications, fundamental research is generally concerned with developing new knowledge, understanding scientific questions, and advancing knowledge within different disciplines.

The program aims to:

KFAS invites competitive proposals on general topics related to Science, Technology and Innovation. However, priority is given to proposals addressing the following areas: Researchers may propose projects outside these priority areas if they fall within broader STI topics and meet the program’s requirements. The Fundamental Research Grant Program supports original research designed to expand scientific knowledge and understanding.

Research proposals may focus on:

The proposed research should have a clear scientific rationale and demonstrate its potential contribution to knowledge. Scientists and researchers from the following sectors are eligible to apply: Applicants should be involved in research and should propose projects that align with the objectives and scope of the Fundamental Research Grant Program. Yes. Researchers and scientists from international academic and research institutes may apply, but they cannot apply independently.

International researchers must:

This requirement ensures that internationally led or internationally collaborative projects have a meaningful connection to Kuwait’s research community. Fundamental research plays an important role in expanding scientific knowledge and creating the foundation for future discoveries and innovations. By supporting original research, the program can help: Research findings generated through fundamental research can also provide a foundation for future applied research, technological development, and innovation. The six priority areas do not represent the only topics that researchers can propose. KFAS also invites competitive proposals addressing broader Science, Technology and Innovation topics. Researchers working in other scientific or technological fields may therefore consider applying if their proposed research fits the program’s objectives and demonstrates strong scientific value. However, proposals addressing the identified priority areas receive priority consideration. Researchers should clearly explain the scientific importance and originality of their proposed project.

A strong proposal should establish:

International applicants should also clearly explain the role of the Kuwaiti institution and the nature of collaboration with the Kuwait-based research team.

Applicants should avoid:

Researchers can strengthen their proposals by: The Fundamental Research Grant Program is a KFAS initiative that supports scientists and researchers conducting original research across a range of scientific disciplines. The program was established by the Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences (KFAS). Priority is given to Health, STEAM Education, Energy, Environment, Food & Water Security, and Future Economies. Yes. KFAS invites competitive proposals on general topics related to Science, Technology and Innovation. However, proposals addressing the identified priority areas receive priority. Eligible applicants include researchers and scientists from the Research & Higher Education sector, Public/Governmental sector, Not-for-Profit Entities, and Civil Society Organizations. Yes. International researchers may apply through a Kuwaiti institution, provided the project demonstrates substantial collaboration with a Kuwait-based research team. Yes. International academic and research institutes must apply through a Kuwaiti institution and demonstrate substantial collaboration with a Kuwait-based research team. Fundamental research aims to develop new knowledge and advance scientific understanding rather than focusing solely on immediate practical applications. Yes. The program is designed to support original research across a range of scientific disciplines, subject to the program’s requirements and priorities. The Fundamental Research Grant Program provides support for original scientific research in Kuwait and aims to strengthen the country’s research capabilities and scientific knowledge base. By welcoming proposals across broader STI fields while prioritizing health, STEAM education, energy, environment, food and water security, and future economies, KFAS encourages researchers to pursue research that can contribute to long-term scientific advancement in Kuwait. For more information, visit KFAS.