Research Incentive Fund (RIF) Grants are competitive research funds made available each year to university faculty, through the Office of Research. Priority will be given to RIF proposals that align with the UAE Government Strategic Directions and the University research clusters as outlined in the notes of the Project Evaluation Criteria.  

Faculty research grants are designed to fund research projects over either a one or two year period, which can be either an individual grant (normally to a maximum of 40,000 AED) or a small team with a minimum of three members including at least one non-ZU Co-PI (normally to a maximum of 75,000 AED).  The annual grant cycle usually involves a request for applications in September, and an awarding of grants during February.

How do I apply for a RIF Grant?

1. Read the RIF Faculty Handbook and Project Evaluation Criteria
2. Complete the RIF Grant Proposal Application Form
3. Complete the RIF Budget Spreadsheet
4. Update your SEDONA CV
5. Obtain your Dean's approval and signature
6. Sign your application
7. Submit all documentation to research@zu.ac.ae

For more help with writing your grant application view, How not to annoy the reviewer (November 2012) Powerpoint presentation.

Reporting Requirements

Principal Investigators are required to complete a RIF Grant Progress Report every six (6) months for the duration of their project.

At the conclusion of the research project, Principal Investigators must complete a RIF Grant Final Report.

More information and useful forms are available to help you manage your grant and budget.

Previous RIF Recipients - 2010, 2009, Archive