QUWA Research Grants 2027 for Women Researchers
Overview
The QUWA Research Grants 2027 support women researchers with competitive funding to develop innovative projects that address pressing scientific and societal challenges. Through the backing of strategic and industry partners, the programme aims to help researchers advance their work, encourage collaboration and turn ideas into impactful outcomes. The Forum behind it seeks to empower researchers, accelerate discovery and contribute to sustainable development through innovation.
Grants are offered in five categories. Category 1 covers bioinformatics, biomedical engineering, dentistry, health sciences and digital health, medicine and pharmacy. Category 2 is the Emirates NBD Special Track in Technology, covering AI and agentic banking innovation, blockchain and digital assets, sustainability and inclusive finance, and operational resilience and cybersecurity. Category 3 covers computing and informatics, engineering and the sciences. Category 4 is the NAMA Special Tracks in Humanities and Social Sciences, with topics such as gender mainstreaming in public policies and services, legal and institutional responses to life transitions affecting women's economic security, the impact of women's leadership policies, women's social status in the UAE, and health challenges and quality of life among aging women. Category 5 is the H.H. Shaikha Jawaher Center for Palestinian Studies Track on women's studies in Palestine.
What you get
Individual project funding ranges from AED 10,000 to AED 25,000, across categories including sponsor-supported special tracks.
Who can apply
The main applicant, or principal investigator, must be a female researcher at a university, such as a faculty member, postdoctoral fellow, graduate student at MSc or PhD level, or research assistant. The research team may include male collaborators. Each applicant may submit only one research study as principal investigator, and the research work must not have been published before the date of the Forum.
Requirements
Winning projects are selected on scientific rigour, community impact, novelty and industry partnership.
Key dates
The application deadline is October 15, 2026.