The Maldives National University > Research Development Office > National Research Fund: Emerging Research Grants (NRF-ERG)
National Research Fund: Emerging Research Grants (NRF-ERG)

National Research Fund: Emerging Research Grants (NRF-ERG)

This initiative is supported by the National Research Council under the Ministry of Higher Education, Labour and Skills Development.

Applicants are required to submit their proposals using the official application form and templates available from the Research Management Office of the Grant Management Institution (GMI): The Maldives National University.

  • Maximum Grant per Individual Project: Up to MVR 500,000 (Five hundred thousand Maldivian Rufiyaa)
  • Project Duration: Up to 1.5 years
  • Eligible Candidates: Open to the public

Timeline / Important Dates

  • Call Opens: 13 November 2025
  • Application Deadline: 31 January 2026
  • Notification of Results: 28 February 2026

Important Information

Research Priority Areas

Research proposals should align with one or more of the following four priority pillars:

Pillar A: Governance, Safety, and Well-being

Focus: Enhancing governance structures, public safety, and community well-being.

  • Governance & Policy Development: Decentralization; e-governance; public sector reforms; judicial systems; transport planning.
  • Public Safety: Disaster risk management; cybersecurity; community policing.
  • Health & Well-being: Mental health; substance abuse strategies; health equity; non-communicable diseases; climate-related conditions; social inclusion.

Pillar B: Economic Development and Sustainability

Focus: Economic growth, diversification, sustainability, and resilience.

  • Economic diversification, sustainable tourism, resource management, fisheries and agriculture, economic resilience, labor market and employment strategies.

Pillar C: Digital Transformation and Innovation

Focus: Digital technology for governance, business, and education.

  • Digital economy, innovation ecosystem, digital governance, education and workforce development.

Pillar D: Green Agenda

Focus: Environmental sustainability, climate change adaptation, and renewable energy.

  • Climate change and adaptation, renewable energy, waste management, marine and terrestrial ecosystems, green financing. 

Timeline / Important Dates

  • Call Opens: 13 November 2025
  • Application Deadline: 31 January 2026
  • Notification of Results: 28 February 2026

All completed applications must be submitted electronically to: research@mnu.edu.mv