Qatar University (QU) has announced the launch of advanced research grants aimed at developing the humanities and social sciences through research addressing local societal challenges. The QU Humanities and Social Sciences (QUHSS) Research Grant Program seeks to support research teams in key areas of national interest, including fundamental topics such as identity and family, encompassing various subtopics like financial literacy, women, heritage, education, and economic and environmental sustainability. The program also fosters collaboration with experts from other fields, such as science, engineering, and health.
These internal grants are funded by QU, with applications opening electronically in January/February 2025. The deadline for submitting research proposals and summer grant applications is set for March 2025, followed by the announcement of award recipients in April of the same year.
A core pillar of this program is enhancing academic publishing in the social sciences, aiming to support knowledge production and policy development through the publication of research papers and academic books, potentially through QU Press. In addition, specialized workshops will be organized to connect researchers with local and international institutions, facilitating the exchange of ideas and research methodologies. These workshops are expected to contribute to a collaborative book addressing relevant subtopics.
The program emphasizes developing researchers' skills through training in research ethics and ethical review standards, along with specialized workshops on data collection methods, such as survey design and sampling strategies. Additionally, training is provided on data analysis using statistical and data science tools. The program also offers academic mentoring opportunities through a network of experts to support early-career researchers and enhance their research capabilities.
Furthermore, the program aims to build a strong research community at QU by organizing events that bring together faculty members and students to share ideas and foster collaboration. The Annual QU Humanities and Social Sciences Forum (QUHSS) will serve as a key platform for showcasing collaborative research and exchanging insights among scholars. Additionally, research outcome discussion panels will be held to share findings and promote interdisciplinary collaboration.
The program is open to faculty members and researchers in the humanities and social sciences, with the possibility of involving undergraduate and graduate students. Priority is given to research teams that include Qatari faculty members or those collaborating with local institutions. Expected outcomes of the program include submitting research proposals to QUHSS for result dissemination, participating in skills-building workshops, organizing community events to share research findings, publishing in reputable academic platforms, and contributing to relevant awareness campaigns.
The program also includes various incentives, such as research exchange trips to foster academic collaboration and expand research networks, as well as summer research grants to enhance researchers' skills and support academic writing and publication. These trips and grants require invitation letters from recognized academic institutions.
In this context, Prof. Aiman Erbad, Vice President for Research and Graduate Studies at QU, emphasized the university's commitment to advancing the humanities and social sciences, given their crucial role in shaping cultural and societal awareness, as well as their contribution to enhancing the intellectual and creative capacities of researchers and students. Prof. Erbad highlighted that these grants aim to support research on families and Qatari identity as fundamental pillars, covering topics such as heritage, education, and environmental sustainability, reflecting QU's strong connection with the community and its active role in addressing societal needs. He also congratulated the award recipients, wishing them continued success.
Among the winning research projects under the family studies category is “Exploring the Context of Communication in Mental Health and Healthcare-Seeking Behavior in Qatari Families: The Influence of Social, Cultural, and Socio-Demographic Factors", led by Dr. Shaikha H. Al-Kuwari is an Assistant professor at Social Sciences Department. Expressing her pride, Dr. H. Al-Kuwari stated, “My research team and I are thrilled to have received the Humanities and Social Sciences Research Grant from QU. This grant is a significant opportunity to support research that aims to enhance and develop social and human sciences. Our project focuses on studying family communication patterns related to mental health and their impact on healthcare-seeking behaviors. This study will contribute to developing a cultural framework that can inform the design of culturally sensitive interventions, policies, and programs to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health in Qatari society. Our multidisciplinary research team includes experts from social sciences, education, and medical and health sciences."
Dr. Turki Obaid Al-Marri, Assistant Professor of Fiqh and Usul Al-Fiqh at the College of Sharia and Islamic Studies, received the grant for his research titled, “The Impact of Economic Transformations on Qatari Families: A Socio-Legal Analysis in Light of Islamic Sharia." Commenting on the award, he stated, “Winning this grant is not just academic recognition; it is a message of hope and confidence in the importance of research to understand the rapid transformations affecting our societies. Our research explores the effects of economic transformations on the stability of Qatari families, identifying the key legal and social challenges they face. We seek to address these challenges through Islamic jurisprudence, considering its established rulings and principles, to develop a comprehensive framework that preserves family balance and stability in Qatar. I thank the granting institution for this support and hope that this research contributes to a well-grounded scholarly vision and effective solutions for maintaining family stability."
In the identity studies category, one of the awarded projects was, “Qatari Identity in an Era of Transformations: Toward a Sustainable Strategy for Preserving Values and Culture", led by Dr. Hamad Al-Ghadeed, Assistant Professor in the Department of History. Regarding the project, he noted, “This project provides an essential opportunity to analyze national identity in Qatar and the impact of globalization, contributing to a deeper understanding of these transformations and strengthening national belonging amid rapid cultural and social changes. I hope the research outcomes will assist policymakers and academic institutions in developing strategies that balance tradition and modernity in Qatari society."
Other supported studies in the identity field include: Dr. Amna Abdullah Sadiq, Assistant Professor in the Gulf Studies Department, who received funding for her research: “Social Determinants and Factors Shaping Qatari Identity from the Perspective of Qatari Youth." She expressed her gratitude saying, “I appreciate QU's support for research in the humanities and social sciences. The introduction of this grant marks a significant milestone in reinforcing these efforts and providing greater opportunities for researchers. The university's trust in young researchers reflects its long-term vision. These grants enable researchers to join interdisciplinary research groups and help develop the skills of emerging scholars in an academic setting."
She added, “Our project aims to study identity orientations among Qatari youth to understand the core values driving them today. We strive to enrich the academic discourse on this subject and provide a comprehensive and scientific perspective for policy and decision-making institutions interested in this field. The project aligns with QU's research priorities in social sciences and humanities and supports Qatar National Vision 2030."
Dr. Esraa Al-Muftah, Assistant Professor in the Department of Educational Sciences, received a grant for her study titled: “Enhancing Environmental Citizenship in Education: Toward Sustainable Environmental Knowledge Across Generations." Expressing her appreciation, she stated, “I extend my gratitude to QU for supporting young researchers in the humanities and social sciences. I am honored that my project was selected in this cycle. It aims to document Qatar's rich oral heritage related to topography and nature, using these records to enrich educational curricula. This will enable students to graduate with a strong, sustainable identity. The project integrates research across the College of Education and the College of Arts and Sciences, promoting interdisciplinary collaboration to understand the relationship between environment and identity in the Qatari context."