QUWA Research Grants 2027 for Women Researchers

Applications are open for the QUWA Research Grants 2027, a research funding opportunity supporting women researchers developing innovative projects that address important scientific and societal challenges. The grants are offered through the QUWA initiative of the University of Sharjah and its Forum for Women in Research, which brings together researchers, innovators, policymakers, industry partners and other stakeholders to promote research excellence and practical impact.

The QUWA Research Grants are designed to help women researchers advance promising research projects, strengthen collaboration and translate innovative ideas into meaningful outcomes. The programme supports research across science, technology, health, engineering, humanities and social sciences, as well as several specialised sponsor supported research tracks.

For 2027, the research categories include health and biomedical disciplines, technology and digital innovation, computing, engineering and sciences, humanities and social sciences, women’s studies and research focused on Palestine. Individual project grants range from AED 10,000 to AED 25,000, depending on the category and sponsor supported track.

About the Opportunity

The QUWA Research Grants are part of the University of Sharjah’s Forum for Women in Research, an international initiative focused on empowering women researchers and promoting collaboration across academia, industry, government and society.

The sixth Forum for Women in Research is scheduled for March 31 to April 1, 2027, at the University of Sharjah and University of Khorfakkan. The Forum provides a platform for researchers to exchange knowledge, showcase research and develop collaborations addressing global and regional challenges.

The research grants support projects that demonstrate strong scientific quality while also showing potential for community impact, originality and collaboration with industry or relevant partners.

Opportunity Benefits

• Research funding ranging from AED 10,000 to AED 25,000 per project

• Financial support for innovative research projects

• Opportunity to advance research addressing scientific and societal challenges

• Opportunity to strengthen research collaboration

• Platform to showcase innovative research through the QUWA Forum

• Potential for research outcomes to contribute to community and societal development

• Opportunities for knowledge exchange with researchers and other stakeholders

Programme Areas

Category 1: Health and Biomedical Research

• Bioinformatics

• Biomedical Engineering

• Dentistry

• Health Sciences and Digital Health

• Medicine

• Pharmacy

Category 2: Emirates NBD Special Track in Technology

• Artificial Intelligence and Agentic Banking Innovation

• Blockchain and Digital Assets

• Sustainability and Inclusive Finance

• Operational Resilience and Cybersecurity

Category 3: Computing, Engineering and Sciences

• Computing and Informatics

• Engineering

• Sciences

Category 4: NAMA Special Tracks in Humanities and Social Sciences

• Gender Mainstreaming in Public Policies and Services

• Legal and Institutional Responses to Life Transitions Affecting Women’s Economic Security

• Measuring the Impact of Women’s Leadership Policies and Initiatives

• Women’s Social Status in the UAE

• Health Challenges and Quality of Life Among Aging Women

Category 5: H.H. Shaikha Jawaher Center for Palestinian Studies

• Women’s Studies in Palestine

These categories provide opportunities for researchers working across a broad range of disciplines, from health and artificial intelligence to public policy, women’s economic security, social development and Palestinian women’s studies.

Eligibility Criteria

• The Principal Investigator must be a female researcher.

• The Principal Investigator must be affiliated with a university.

• Eligible university researchers include faculty members, postdoctoral fellows, MSc or PhD students and research assistants.

• Research teams may include male collaborators or researchers.

• Each applicant may submit only one research study as the Principal Investigator.

• The proposed research must not have been published before the Forum.

• The proposed project should fit one of the available QUWA research categories or special tracks.

Required Application Information

Applicants should prepare information that clearly presents their proposed research and demonstrates its relevance to the selected QUWA category.

• Research study or project proposal

• Research objectives and expected contribution

• Research approach and methodology

• Information about the Principal Investigator

• University affiliation

• Details of research team members and collaborators where applicable

• Information demonstrating the novelty and potential impact of the research

• Relevant industry or institutional partnership information where applicable

Applicants should follow the official application portal for the exact information and documents requested in the 2027 application form.

How to Apply

1. Review the QUWA Research Grants 2027 categories and identify the research track that best matches your proposed project.
2. Confirm that you meet the eligibility requirements as a female university researcher and Principal Investigator.
3. Develop a research proposal addressing a relevant scientific or societal challenge.
4. Ensure that the proposed research demonstrates scientific rigor, novelty and potential community impact.
5. Include relevant information about your university affiliation, research team and potential industry partnerships where applicable.
6. Complete the online QUWA Research Grants application through the official application portal.
7. Review the application carefully and ensure that only one research study is submitted under your name as Principal Investigator.
8. Submit the completed application before the October 15, 2026 deadline.