The Maldives National University (MNU) continued to strengthen its research and innovation agenda through the 2024 University Research Grants (URG) Calls 1 and 2, supporting research addressing national priorities across health, education, social development, governance, environmental sustainability, marine resources, biodiversity, technology, and community well-being.

Across the two calls, 23 research projects were awarded University Research Grants, with a combined allocation of MVR 3,111,009.00. Call 1 supported 13 projects with a total allocation of MVR 1,701,333.00, while Call 2 supported 10 projects with a total allocation of MVR 1,409,676.00.

The funded research portfolio reflects MNU’s commitment to research and innovation, quality education, good health and well-being, gender equality, reduced inequalities, decent work and economic growth, industry and innovation, sustainable cities and communities, responsible consumption and production, climate action, life below water, life on land, peace and justice, strong institutions, and partnerships for the goals.

University Research Grants 2024 Call 1 – Awarded Grants

1. URG Title: Bioavailability of Microplastics within the Marine Environment Surrounding K. Thilafushi

• SDG Alignment: SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production; SDG 14 – Life Below Water, SDG Alignment: SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals
• Focus: plastic pollution, marine pollution, responsible consumption and production, aquatic ecosystem monitoring, marine ecosystems, environmental research, resource sustainability, and marine conservation.
• Principal Investigator: Aishath Shaira, The Maldives National University

2. URG Title:

   ދިވެހިބަހުން މުޢާމަލާތުކުރުން: ދިވެހި ދަރިން ދިވެހިބަހާމެދު ދެކޭގޮތާއި ބަސް އިޚްތިޔާރުކުރާގޮތާއި ދިވެހި ބަހުގެ ޤާބިލުކަން މިންކުރާގޮތް ދިވެހިބަހުން މުޢާމަލާތުކުރުން: ދިވެހި ދަރިން ދިވެހިބަހާމެދު ދެކޭގޮތާއި ބަސް އިޚްތިޔާރުކުރާގޮތާއި ދިވެހި ބަހުގެ ޤާބިލުކަން މިންކުރާގޮތް

• SDG Alignment: SDG 4 – Quality Education; SDG 10 – Reduced Inequalities, SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals
• Focus: Dhivehi language, literacy, education, learning, language choice, student participation, inclusive learning, educational access, cultural knowledge, and preservation of linguistic heritage.
• Principal Investigator: Hameeza Afeef, The Maldives National University

3. URG Title: Lost Boys: Understanding the Decline in Male Enrollment in Higher Education in the Maldives

• SDG Alignment: SDG 4 – Quality Education; SDG 5 – Gender Equality; SDG 10 – Reduced Inequalities, SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals
• Focus: higher education, educational access, student participation, gender equality, male participation in education, equality of access, student success, skills development, and education policy.
• Principal Investigator: Nadhiya Ahmed, The Maldives National University

4. URG Title: Effectiveness of an Educational Intervention on Breast Cancer Screening Behavior among Women in Malé Region, Maldives

• SDG Alignment: SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-being; SDG 4 – Quality Education; SDG 5 – Gender Equality, SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals
• Focus: health information and education, women’s health, cancer prevention, healthcare access, health research, preventive health, health equity, and women’s well-being.
• Principal Investigator: Aishath Niyaf, The Maldives National University

5. URG Title: Mapping Livebait Fishing Grounds in the Northern Seven Atolls of the Maldives (Haa Alif to Lhaviyani Atoll)

• SDG Alignment: SDG 2 – Zero Hunger; SDG 14 – Life Below Water, SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals
• Focus: sustainable fisheries, food security, marine resources, aquatic ecosystems, fisheries mapping, marine conservation, sustainable utilisation, livelihoods, and aquatic stewardship.
• Principal Investigator: Mariyam Nashath, The Maldives National University

6. URG Title: An Approach to Redesign Urban Open Spaces as Sustainable Infrastructure

• SDG Alignment: SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure; SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities; SDG 13 – Climate Action, SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals
• Focus: sustainable infrastructure, urban sustainability, public spaces, green spaces, sustainable cities and communities, climate resilience, local development, and innovative urban planning.
• Principal Investigator: Ibrahim Nadheem, The Maldives National University

7. URG Title: Comprehensive Cancer Epidemiology in the Maldives: A Decade-Long Analysis (2014–Present)

• SDG Alignment: SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-being; SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals, SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals
• Focus: cancer epidemiology, public health, health research, disease burden, prevention, health evidence, health planning, knowledge sharing, and research collaboration.
• Principal Investigator: Zeba Un Naher, The Maldives National University

8. URG Title: Knowledge, Risk Factors and Preventive Practices Related to Breast, Cervical, Prostate and Colorectal Cancers among Adults in the Greater Malé Area

• SDG Alignment: SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-being; SDG 4 – Quality Education, SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals
• Focus: cancer prevention, health information and education, public health, healthy lifestyles, risk factors, preventive practices, health research, and community health.
• Principal Investigator: Asma Ibrahim Sulaiman, The Maldives National University

9. URG Title: Prevalence of Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WMSDs) among Healthcare Workers of Addu Equatorial Hospital

• SDG Alignment: SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-being; SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth, SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals
• Focus: occupational health, healthcare workers, workplace conditions, worker well-being, prevention, safe and stable working conditions, health research, and workplace health.
• Principal Investigator: Fathimath Shiranee, The Maldives National University

10. URG Title: Investigating School Leaders’ Perceptions on the Performance of MNU Graduates who Join their School after Having Completed a Teaching Degree Programme from the University

• SDG Alignment: SDG 4 – Quality Education; SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth, SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals
• Focus: quality education, teacher development, teaching qualifications, graduate employability, skills, education research, student success, and the world of work.
• Principal Investigator: Aminath Waseela, The Maldives National University

11. URG Title: Exploring Perceptions and Impact of Decentralization in the Maldives: A Comprehensive Study

• SDG Alignment: SDG 10 – Reduced Inequalities; SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities; SDG 16 – Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions, SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals
• Focus: governance, decentralisation, local development, equality of access, public institutions, stakeholder participation, institutional accountability, and sustainable communities.
• Principal Investigator: Shahuneeza Naseer, The Maldives National University

12. URG Title: Prevalence of Vitamin D Deficiency in Females Aged 18–35 Years in Malé, Maldives

• SDG Alignment: SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-being; SDG 5 – Gender Equality, SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals
• Focus: women’s health, nutrition, public health, health research, prevention, health equity, healthy lifestyles, and community health.
• Principal Investigator: Aishath Majidha Hassan, The Maldives National University

13. URG Title: Prevalence and Sociodemographic Correlates of Mental Health Issues among Maldivian Adults

• SDG Alignment: SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-being; SDG 10 – Reduced Inequalities, SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals
• Focus: mental health, public health, community health, health equity, vulnerable groups, prevention, health services, mental health support, and reducing inequalities in health.
• Principal Investigator: Unaisa Saud, The Maldives National University

University Research Grants 2024 Call 2 – Awarded Grants

1. URG Title: A Comprehensive Study of Juvenile Offense in the Maldives

• SDG Alignment: SDG 16 – Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions; SDG 10 – Reduced Inequalities, SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals
• Focus: justice, human rights, youth, vulnerable groups, social inclusion, rule of law, institutional accountability, evidence-based policy, and public institutions.
• Principal Investigator: Dr. Mariyam Shahuneeza Naseer, The Maldives National University
• Co-Investigator(s):
  • Dr. Aishath Shanoora, The Maldives National University
  • Ms. Fathimath Ahlam Niyaz, The Maldives National University
  •  Dr. Aishath Shehenaz Adam, The Maldives National University
  •  Dr. Ali Fawaz Shareef, The Maldives National University

2. URG Title: A Comprehensive Study of Marriage and Divorce in the Maldives

• SDG Alignment: SDG 5 – Gender Equality; SDG 10 – Reduced Inequalities; SDG 16 – Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions, SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals
• Focus: family and society, gender equality, equal opportunity, social inclusion, justice, human rights, legal systems, and evidence-based policy.
• Principal Investigator: Dr. Aishath Shehenaz Adam, The Maldives National University
• Co-Investigator(s): Aminath Riyaz, The Maldives National University
  • Dr. Aishath Shanoora, The Maldives National University
  • Dr. Mariyam Shahuneeza Naseer, The Maldives National University
  • Mariyam Neerish, The Maldives National University

3. URG Title: Robogogy – Integrating Robotics into Education for Non-IT Teachers

• SDG Alignment: SDG 4 – Quality Education; SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals
• Focus: education, teacher development, technology, robotics, digital learning, innovation, skills development, curriculum development, and research and innovation.
• Principal Investigator: Ali Fawaz Shareef, The Maldives National University
• Co-Investigator(s): Adam Khalid
  • Mariyam Humra, The Maldives National University
  • Mariyam Nadhira, The Maldives National University
  • Asma Rushdy, The Maldives National University
  • Dr. Aminath Waseela, The Maldives National University
  • Fathimath Shougee, The Maldives National University

4. URG Title: ދިވެހިބަހާ ދުރަށް: ދިވެހިބަހުގެ ކޯސްތަކިގައި ދަރިވަރުން ބައިވެރިވުމުގައި ރާއްޖޭގެ ވަޒީފާގެ ބާޒާރުގެ ނުފޫޒުތައް

• SDG Alignment: SDG 4 – Quality Education; SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth, SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals
• Focus: Dhivehi language education, educational access, student participation, employability, employment, skills, labour market influence, and quality education.
• Principal Investigator: Ahmed Hashim, The Maldives National University
• Co-Investigator(s): Ibrahim Adam, The Maldives National University

5. URG Title: Evaluating the Impact and Challenges of Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Curriculum Implementation: A Mixed-Method Case Study of a Maldivian Public School

• SDG Alignment: SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-being; SDG 4 – Quality Education, SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals
• Focus: mental health, well-being, quality education, inclusive learning, curriculum, student development, teacher development, health information and education, and educational research.
• Principal Investigator: Nadheema Abdul Sattar, The Maldives National University
• Co-Investigator(s):
  • Dr. Aminath Waseela, The Maldives National University
  • Ihusana Shareef, The Maldives National University

6. URG Title: Relapse Realities: Unpacking the Factors Behind Substance Use Recurrence in Maldives

• SDG Alignment: SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-being; SDG 10 – Reduced Inequalities; SDG 16 – Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions, SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals
• Focus: public health, substance use, prevention, health services, mental health, vulnerable groups, social inclusion, health equity, and community health.
• Principal Investigator: Mariyam Neerish, The Maldives National University
• Co-Investigator(s):
  • Zeenath Shakir, The Maldives National University
  • Aminath Samha, The Maldives National University
  • Fathimath Maeesha, The Maldives National University

7. URG Title: “Am I doing enough?”: Perceptions of Social Workers in Implementing the Child Rights Protection Act (CRPA) (Act No. 19/2019)

• SDG Alignment: SDG 10 – Reduced Inequalities; SDG 16 – Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions, SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals
• Focus: child rights, human rights, social protection, vulnerable groups, social workers, justice, legal systems, institutional accountability, and protection of children.
• Principal Investigator: Zeenath Shakir, The Maldives National University
• Co-Investigator(s):
  • Mariyam Neerish, The Maldives National University
  • Aminath Samha, The Maldives National University
  • Fathimath Maeesha, The Maldives National University

8. URG Title: Perception, Attitudes and Barriers to Interprofessional Collaboration among Healthcare Professionals at IGMH and KRH

• SDG Alignment: SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-being; SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals, SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals
• Focus: healthcare access, health services, healthcare professionals, interprofessional collaboration, health workforce, capacity building, knowledge sharing, and research collaboration.
• Principal Investigator: Ammar Suhail, The Maldives National University
• Co-Investigators:
  • Agleema Ahmed, The Maldives National University

9. URG Title: Algorithmic Literacy for Democracy: Exploring University Librarians’ Roles in Information Digital Literacy

• SDG Alignment: SDG 4 – Quality Education; SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure; SDG 16 – Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions, SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals
• Focus: digital literacy, information literacy, quality education, technology, innovation, civic participation, digital infrastructure, academic resources, and strong institutions.
• Principal Investigator: Aminath Riyaz, The Maldives National University

10. URG Title: Bamboo Plant Identification and its Ecological Impact in the Maldives

• SDG Alignment: SDG 13 – Climate Action; SDG 15 – Life on Land, SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals
• Focus: biodiversity, terrestrial ecosystems, plant identification, ecological research, conservation, ecosystem monitoring, climate resilience, sustainable land management, and nature-based knowledge.
• Principal Investigator: Nadhiya Abdulla, The Maldives National University
• Co-Investigator(s): Aishath Shaheen Ismail, The Maldives National University

Through the 2024 University Research Grants (URG), a total of 23 research projects were awarded funding amounting to MVR 3,111,009 across Calls 1 and 2.

URG Call 1 supported 13 research projects with a total allocation of MVR 1,701,333. The projects cover a diverse range of areas, including marine pollution and microplastics, Dhivehi language and education, gender and access to higher education, breast cancer screening, sustainable fisheries, sustainable urban spaces, cancer epidemiology, occupational health, graduate employability, decentralisation, women’s health and mental health.

Under URG Call 2, a further 10 research projects received a combined allocation of MVR 1,409,676. The funded research addresses areas including juvenile justice, marriage and divorce, robotics in education, Dhivehi language and employment, social-emotional learning, substance use recurrence, child rights, interprofessional collaboration among healthcare professionals, digital literacy and biodiversity.

University Book Writing Grants 2024 Call 1

1. UBWG Title: Applied Biomedical Science: Techniques and Protocols

• SDG Alignment: Good Health and Well-being; SDG 4 – Quality Education, SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals
• Focus: Practical biomedical science techniques, laboratory protocols, diagnostic methods, and hands-on approaches used in biomedical research and healthcare education.
• Main Author:
  • Dr. Zeba Un Nahar, The Maldives National University
• Co-Author:
  • Dr. Kanan Subbaram, The Maldives National University

2. UBWG Title: Exploitation of Artificial Intelligence: Transformative Applications across disciplines

• SDG Alignment: SDG 4 – Quality Education; SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth; SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure; SDG 10 – Reduced Inequalities; SDG 16 – Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions, SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals
• Focus: Exploring the transformative applications of Artificial Intelligence across diverse disciplines, with emphasis on innovation, education, research, productivity, decision-making, and addressing societal and institutional challenges.
• Main Author:
  • Dr. Fawz Shareef, The Maldives National University
• Co-Author:
  • Dr. Yoosuf Nizam, The Maldives National University

3. UBWG Title: ވިލުން

• SDG Alignment: SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-being, SDG 10 – Reduced Inequalities, SDG 4 – Quality Education, SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals
• Focus: Mental health, addiction recovery, psychosocial well-being, and reducing stigma through the lived experiences and stories of recovering individuals.
• Main Author: Fathimath Maeesha, The Maldives National University
• Co-Author: Aminath Samha, The Maldives National University

4. UBWG Title: ލެވެލް 1 – ކޮއްކޮއަށް ފުންމަން އެނގޭ! /   ލެވެލް 2 – މަންމާ މީދަލެއް

• SDG Alignment: SDG 4 – Quality Education, SDG 10 – Reduced Inequalities, SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals
• Focus: Early literacy development, leveled reading, personalized learning, reading fluency and comprehension, and inclusive literacy education for diverse learners.
• Main Author: Ashia Leela Ahmed, The Maldives National University
• Co-Author: Shahda Moosa, The Maldives National University

5. UBWG Title: A Brief Introduction to Maldivian Criminal Law

• SDG Alignment: SDG 16 – Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions, SDG 4 – Quality Education, SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals
• Focus: Maldivian criminal law, legal principles, criminal justice, rights and responsibilities, and strengthening legal knowledge and awareness.
• Main Author: Ahmed Faraas Shakir, The Maldives National University

University Book Writing Grants 2024 Call 2

1. UBWG Title: އަހަރެންގެ ގަދީމީ ވާހަކަ

• SDG Alignment: SDG 4 – Quality Education, SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities, SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals
• Focus: Maldivian heritage, history, cultural identity, traditional knowledge, and preservation of Dhivehi literature and cultural heritage.
• Main Author: Abdulla Jameel, The Maldives National University
• Co-Author: Mohamed Didi, The Maldives National University

2. UBWG Title: އެ ދަތުރު

• SDG Alignment: SDG 4 – Quality Education, SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities, SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals
• Focus: Dhivehi literature, cultural heritage, storytelling, personal experiences, and the preservation and promotion of Maldivian literary and cultural identity.
• Main Author: Roza Ibrahim, The Maldives National University

3. UBWG Title: Navigating Success: Stories of Maldivian Business Leaders

• SDG Alignment: SDG 4 – Quality Education, SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities, SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals
• Focus: Dhivehi literature, storytelling, cultural identity, personal experiences, and the preservation and promotion of Maldivian literary and cultural heritage.
• Main Author: Aminath Fazna Rasheedh, The Maldives National University
• Co-Author: Aishath Leeza, The Maldives National University

4. UBWG Title: Political Leadership in the Maldives from Kingdoms to a Monarchy: Personality and Behaviour Leaders in the Maldives

• SDG Alignment: SDG 16 – Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions, SDG 4 – Quality Education, SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals
• Focus: Political leadership in the Maldives, leadership personalities and behaviours, governance, political history, and the development of leadership across different periods of Maldivian history.
• Main Author: Aishath Hassan, The Maldives National University
• Co-Authors:
  • Dr. Ahmed Zaki, The Maldives National University
  • Aminath Mohamed, The Maldives National University

Strengthening Research Impact and Sustainable Development

In addition to research project funding, MNU supported the production of scholarly, literary and educational publications through the University Book Writing Grants (UBWG) 2024. Under UBWG Call 1, five books were awarded funding totalling MVR 267,500, covering diverse fields including biomedical science, artificial intelligence, Maldivian criminal law, children’s literature and Dhivehi literary works. A further eight books were supported under UBWG Call 2, with a total allocation of MVR 422,500, covering areas such as Maldivian history and literature, Dhivehi linguistics, business, political leadership, marine biodiversity and research methodology. Overall, 13 books received funding totalling MVR 690,000, further strengthening the University’s contribution to knowledge creation and scholarly and literary publishing.

Through the URG and UBWG programmes, MNU continues to create opportunities for researchers and authors to generate, document and disseminate knowledge. The investment supports the University’s wider mission to strengthen research capacity, encourage innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration, and contribute evidence and knowledge that can inform policy, professional practice, education, healthcare, environmental management and community development in the Maldives.

The 2024 grant programmes reaffirm MNU’s commitment to building a strong research culture and strengthening the University’s contribution to sustainable national development through research, scholarship and knowledge creation.