Qatar National Research Fund (QNRF) has launched a new research grant focused on the Arab family and policy related issues, in collaboration with the Doha International Family Institute (DIFI), members of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development (QF).

Osra, which means family in Arabic, is the new DIFI-QNRF joint funded grant and will prioritise research aimed at developing knowledge about the Arab family, said a statement.

The research areas will include marriage and family structure, parenting, family-work balance, and family laws and practices.

The research findings funded under Osra will assist the development of evidence-based policies and programmes to promote the well-being of the Arab family.

QNRF is a member of Qatar Foundation Research and Development (QF R&D) and, by investing in cutting-edge research, it supports Qatar Foundation on its mission to build Qatar’s innovation and technology capacity, and help the nation develop into a hub of research excellence.  

DIFI supports Qatar Foundation’s mission to foster a progressive society by addressing the community’s immediate social needs. DIFI’s vision is to be recognised as a global knowledge leader on issues facing the Arab family through research, policy, and outreach.

The applications for the Osra grant will open on March 16 and the awards will comprise a one-year grant of up to US$50,000. Researchers from Qatar and the Arab region are being urged to submit their proposals before applications close on May 25.

To qualify for Osra funding, a research project must be led by a lead principal investigator with a doctoral qualification, who has at least three peer-reviewed scientific publications in a relevant field, and is residing and affiliated to an institution in Qatar or another Arab country.

In addition to its own research activities, DIFI will promote research on the Arab family by providing research grants and organising an Annual Conference on Family Research and Policy.

Dr Abdul Sattar Al-Taie, executive director of QNRF, said: “We are delighted to collaborate with DIFI on this new research programme since the Osra grant addresses an area that has, in a large part, been left unexplored in the Arab region.

“QNRF aims to nurture Qatar’s research environment by addressing the key areas outlined in the Qatar National Research Strategy and supports high-quality research in fields relevant to Qatar and its surrounding region. Osra, no doubt, adds a new dimension to the vast portfolio of QNRF-funded research programmes.”

Noor Al Malki Al Jehani, executive director of DIFI, said: “DIFI aims to raise awareness of family issues and contribute to the development of family policies in the Arab world by supporting research on the Arab family. We are very happy to collaborate on this new grant since it will unite local, regional, and international partners in seeking solutions to family-related issues faced in the Arab world.” - TradeArabia News Service