The Maldives National University (MNU) continued to strengthen its research and knowledge-creation culture through the 2025 University Research Grants (URG) and University Book Writing Grants (UBWG). Across the two calls, 13 research projects and 5 book-writing projects were awarded funding, supporting work in health, education, digital innovation, food systems, environmental sustainability, inclusive learning, transport, fisheries, and other areas relevant to national development and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Across both calls, MNU awarded MVR 2,283,329.00 for URG projects and MVR 344,250.00 for UBWG projects, representing a combined allocation of MVR 2,627,579.00. The funded portfolio reflects MNU’s commitment to research and innovation, quality education, good health and well-being, sustainable communities, climate and environmental resilience, and partnerships for the goals.

University Research Grants 2025 Call 1– Awarded Grants

For 2025 Call 1, seven applications were received for the University Research Grants and three applications for the University Book Writing Grants. Three URG projects were awarded a total of MVR 215,700.00, while one UBWG project was awarded MVR 43,500.00.

1. URG Title: Develop and Evaluate the Effectiveness of a Mobile App for Acquisition of Triage Knowledge and Skill in Undergraduate Nursing Students

• SDG Alignment: SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-being; SDG 4 – Quality Education; SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
• Focus: health research, healthcare education, skills development, digital learning innovation, competency development, and research and innovation.
• Principal Investigator: Dr. Asiya Ibrahim, The Maldives National University
• Co-Investigator: Aminath Shafia, The Maldives National University

2. URG Title: Investigation of the Use, Attitude and Adoption of Generative AI in Teaching and Learning Law in the Maldives: A Mixed Method Study

• SDG Alignment: SDG 4 – Quality Education; SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure; SDG 16 – Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
• Focus: education research, digital learning innovation, technology, teaching and learning, law, and research and innovation.
• Principal Investigator: Batool Zahoor Ghazee, The Maldives National University
• Co-Investigator(s):
  • Dr. Fazeela Ibrahim, Villa College
  • Dr. Aminath Waseela, The Maldives National University
  • Uza. Fathimath Waheeda, The Maldives National University

3. URG Title: Navigating the Future: Insights on Telenursing from Undergraduate Nursing Students in the Maldives

• SDG Alignment: SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-being; SDG 4 – Quality Education; SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
• Focus: healthcare access, health research, nursing education, digital health, student learning, innovation, and healthcare capacity strengthening.
• Principal Investigator: Mariyam Hudha, The Maldives National University
• Co-Investigator(s):
  • Fathimath Khumaira, The Maldives National University
  • Fathimath Haleem, The Maldives National University
  • Khadeeja Shakir, The Maldives National University

University Book Writing Grants 2025 Call 1 – Awarded Grants

1. UBWG Title: Data Analysis and Interpretation Using SPSS: A Step-by-Step Guide

• SDG Alignment: SDG 4 – Quality Education; SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
• Focus: quality education, lifelong learning, research skills, data analysis, research and innovation, capacity building, and knowledge sharing.
• Main Author: Ibrahim Adam, The Maldives National University

University Research Grants 2025 Call 2 – Awarded Grants

The 2025 Call 2 opened on 26 May 2025 and closed on 31 August 2025. Thirteen applications were received for the University Research Grants, of which 10 projects were awarded a total of MVR 2,067,629.00. Six applications were received for the University Book Writing Grants, of which four were awarded a total of MVR 300,750.00.

1. URG Title: Death and Dying: Teaching an Innovative End-of-Life Nursing Course: A Three-Stage Program

• SDG Alignment: SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-being; SDG 4 – Quality Education
• Focus: good health and well-being, nursing education, teacher and professional development, health information and education, skills development, and quality education.
• Principal Investigator: Agleema Ahmed, The Maldives National University
• Co-Investigators:
  • Aishath Zeeshan, The Maldives National University
  • Farzana Sabig, The Maldives National University
  • Hawwa Nazeema, The Maldives National University
  • Dr. Fathimath Shifaza, Australian Catholic University
  • Shuhurath Hassan, The Maldives National University

2. URG Title: Investigating Factors Contributing to Low Enrolment in Public Health Courses at the Maldives National University: Perspectives of Secondary School Graduates and Key Stakeholders

• SDG Alignment: SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-being; SDG 4 – Quality Education; SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals
• Focus: public health education, equality of access, student participation, educational access, stakeholder engagement, and cross-sectoral dialogue.
• Principal Investigator: Aishath Hassan, The Maldives National University
• Co-Investigators:
  • Ibrahim Nishan Ahmed, Health Protection Agency
  • Mohamed Hamzath, Health Protection Agency
  • Hussain Maniu, Health Protection Agency

3. URG Title: National Micronutrient Survey

• SDG Alignment: SDG 2 – Zero Hunger; SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-being; SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals
• Focus: nutrition, food security, healthy diets, public health, health research, evidence generation, research collaboration, and SDG data gathering.
• Principal Investigator: Dr. Aishath Shaheen Ismail, The Maldives National University
• Co-Investigators:
  • Dr. Mariyam Shahuneeza Naseer, The Maldives National University
  • Dr. Aishath Niyaf, The Maldives National University
  • Dr. Shazla Mohamed, The Maldives National University
  • Dr. Nadhiya Abdulla, The Maldives National University
  • Fathimath Shirani, The Maldives National University
  • Dr. Shuaib Rasheed, The Maldives National University
  • Fathimath Thohira, The Maldives National University
  • Dr. Mohamed Sam-aan Hussain, The Maldives National University

4. URG Title: An Investigation of Microplastics in Commercially Available Bottled Water in the Maldives

• SDG Alignment: SDG 6 – Clean Water and Sanitation; SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production; SDG 14 – Life Below Water
• Focus: water quality, clean water, plastic minimisation, plastic pollution, environmental monitoring, resource sustainability, and aquatic stewardship.
• Principal Investigator: Dr. Aishath Shaira, The Maldives National University

5. URG Title: Securing Fisheries and Food Systems in Small States: Mapping IUU Fishing Threats and Enhancing Maldives’ Maritime Interoperability in the Indo-Pacific

• SDG Alignment: SDG 2 – Zero Hunger; SDG 14 – Life Below Water; SDG 16 – Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions; SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals
• Focus: food security, sustainable fisheries, marine resources, governance, institutional accountability, regional partnerships, and international cooperation.
• Principal Investigator: Athaulla Ahmed Rasheed, The Maldives National University

6. URG Title: Evaluating the Effectiveness of Area-Wide Integrated Pest Management (IPM) for Melon Fly Containment in HA. Kelaa, Maldives

• SDG Alignment: SDG 2 – Zero Hunger; SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production; SDG 15 – Life on Land
• Focus: sustainable agriculture, sustainable food production, responsible production, biodiversity, terrestrial ecosystems, pest management, and sustainable land management.
• Principal Investigator: Dr. Nadhiya Abdulla, The Maldives National University
• Co-Investigators:
  • Dr. Aishath Shaheen Ismail, The Maldives National University

7. URG Title: A Tracer Study of Foundation Students’ Preparedness, Academic Outcomes, and Progression in Degree Programs at Maldives National University

• SDG Alignment: SDG 4 – Quality Education; SDG 10 – Reduced Inequalities
• Focus: student success, educational access, progression, inclusive learning, equality of access, skills, and evidence-informed education planning.
• Principal Investigator: Dr. Mausooma Mohamed, The Maldives National University
• Co-Investigators:
  • Aishath Shoozan, The Maldives National University
  • Mariyam Nashida, The Maldives National University
  • Mariyam Wahida, The Maldives National University

8. URG Title: A Cancer Profile of Breast, Thyroid, and Head & Neck Cancers at IGMH, Maldives: A Retrospective Analysis (2021–2025)

• SDG Alignment: SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-being; SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals
• Focus: health research, public health, healthcare evidence, disease burden, research collaboration, knowledge sharing, and evidence-based healthcare.
• Principal Investigator: Dr. Mohamed Sam-aan Hussain, The Maldives National University
• Co-Investigators:
  • Dr. Aishath Niyaf, The Maldives National University
  • Mohamed Zaidh, The Maldives National University
  • Dr. Mohamed Shifan, Indhira Gandi Memorial Hospital
  • Dr. Ibrahim Afzal

9. URG Title: Prevalence and Risk Factors of Cardiovascular Disease Among Maldivian Adults: A Cross-sectional Study

• SDG Alignment: SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-being; SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals
• Focus: public health, prevention, healthy lifestyles, cardiovascular health, health research, research collaboration, and evidence-based health planning.
• Principal Investigator: Mohamed Zaid, The Maldives National University
• Co-Investigators:
  • Dr. Aishath Niyaf, The Maldives National University
  • Dr. Mohamed Sam-aan Hussain, The Maldives National University
  • Dr. Ibrahim Afzal
  • Dr. Razana Faiz, The Maldives National University
  • Jeehan Mahmood, Tiny Hearts of Maldives
  • Ismail Azzam Wajeeh, The Maldives National University

10. URG Title: Estimating Ocean Wave Heights Using Atmospheric Model Forcing and Buoy Observations at Dhaalu Atoll, Maldives – Towards an Island-Scale Wave Forecasting Model

• SDG Alignment: SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure; SDG 13 – Climate Action; SDG 14 – Life Below Water
• Focus: research and innovation, climate research, climate resilience, coastal and marine systems, environmental monitoring, technology, and sustainable infrastructure.
• Principal Investigator: Dr. Shuaib Rasheed, The Maldives National University
• Co-Investigators:
  • Mariyam Uhaamath, The Maldives National University

University Book Writing Grants 2025 Call 2 – Awarded Grants

1. UBWG Title: Pathways to Emission-Free Mobility: Designing Sustainable Urban Transport for Resilient Cities

• SDG Alignment: SDG 7 – Affordable and Clean Energy; SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities; SDG 13 – Climate Action
• Focus: low-carbon energy, sustainable transport, mobility, electric vehicles, climate action, emissions reduction, urban sustainability, and resilient cities.
• Main Author: Ahmed Fariz Nizar, The Maldives National University
• Co-Author:
  • Sarah Abdelaziz Elgezary, The Maldives National University

2. UBWG Title: Eid Ufaa / Eid Celebrations (Dhivehi/English Versions)

• SDG Alignment: SDG 4 – Quality Education; SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities
• Focus: education, cultural heritage, culture, traditional knowledge, community identity, learning resources, and heritage preservation.
• Main Author: Ashia Leela Ahmed, The Maldives National University
• Co-Author:
  • Leena Ali

3. UBWG Title: Coral Reefs to Cyber Waves: Tech Evolution of the Maldives

• SDG Alignment: SDG 4 – Quality Education; SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure; SDG 14 – Life Below Water
• Focus: education, technology, innovation, digital infrastructure, knowledge sharing, marine and island context, and sustainable development.
• Main Author: Asma Rushdy, The Maldives National University

4. UBWG Title: Inclusive Mathematics Education in the Maldives: A Focus on Dyscalculia

• SDG Alignment: SDG 4 – Quality Education; SDG 10 – Reduced Inequalities
• Focus: inclusive education, inclusive learning, disability inclusion, reasonable accommodation, educational access, teacher development, and reducing inclusion barriers.
• Main Author: Dr. Mariyam Shahuneeza Naseer, The Maldives National University
• Co-Author(s):
  • Dr. Aishath Shehenaz Adam, The Maldives National University
  • Mohamed Shihab, The Maldives National University
  • Ahmed Adeem, The Maldives National University
  • Mohamed Shameem Adam, The Maldives National University

Strengthening Research Impact and Sustainable Development

Together, the 2025 URG and UBWG awards demonstrate the breadth of MNU’s research, innovation and knowledge-development agenda. The funded work supports health and well-being, quality education and lifelong learning, sustainable food systems, research and innovation, reduced inequalities, sustainable cities and communities, responsible consumption and production, climate resilience, marine and terrestrial ecosystems, strong institutions, and research collaboration. By supporting evidence generation, skills development, knowledge sharing and interdisciplinary work, the grants strengthen pathways for research impact and evidence-informed policy and practice in the Maldives.