Calls for Projects and Awards

Research Grant Overview

The SAFIR Priority Research Grants encourages innovative and ambitious research on priority themes and strategic subjects identified by SUAD’s research leadership, fostering collaborative initiatives that will have a long-lasting impact on both academic knowledge and societal development. Each year, the theme are selected by SUAD’s research leadership in order to support the development of our research priorities.

As SUAD will host the First Research Forum France-UAE dedicated to AI, Quantum and Space in February 2026, we are looking to support ambitious research projects in the field of Space Science. The call is opened to our main research partners, Sorbonne Université and Université Paris Cité.

Funding Objectives

The Priority Research Grants will fund comprehensive research projects that:

• Enhance SUAD's research capacity and academic reputation.

• Focus on high-priority themes that have national, regional, and global significance.

• Engage and involve PhD students and postdoctoral researchers.

• Produce tangible, measurable outputs including scientific publications, intellectual property (IP), and the training of future researchers.

• Strengthen SAFIR’s international networks and visibility in the spatial research community.

Research Focus Areas

Priority Research Grants focus every year on theme that have been identified as national, regional, and global priorities by SUAD’s research leadership. This year, the proposed projects should ideally align with the theme “Space Science”

• Astronomy

• Astrophysics

• Planetary Science

• Astrobiology

Eligibility & Collaboration Model

• Each proposal be developed and supported by a researcher from Sorbonne Université or Université Paris Cité

• If there is a third and external partner involved, the university/laboratory must also contribute to the project with monetary or non-monetary contributions (research environment, equipment, and services,…).

• A formal Grant Agreement will be signed by both institutions to define the reporting requirements, the disbursement rules and the Intellectual Property arrangements.

• The researchers involved in the project will be affiliated to SAFIR for the time of the project.

Funding Details

Duration: Projects must have a duration of 3 to 4 years.

Funding Scope: Grants may cover financial support for the following activities:

• Engagement of PhD students and postdoctoral researchers.

• Acquisition of specialized research equipment and necessary resources.

• Other essential costs to ensure the success of the research project.

Deliverables: In addition to advancing research on the designated themes, successful projects must commit to the creation of clear, tangible deliverables, including but not limited to:

• The number of research projects conducted during the grant period.

• The number of PhD graduates trained and the number of postdoctoral researchers engaged.

• The quantity of peer-reviewed scientific publications produced.

• The creation, protection, and commercialization of intellectual property (IP).

• A dedicated research webpage under the SUAD website framework, highlighting the project’s vision, structure, achievements, and activities.

Proposal Requirements

Proposals should include the following components:

1. Project Title and Abstract: A concise summary of the proposed research.

2. Research Objectives: Clearly defined goals and expected outcomes.

3. Team Composition: Information about the research team, including qualifications and roles.

4. Yearly Financial Plan: A clear budget and research plan, broken down by year, that outlines the allocation of funds and the activities to be undertaken.

5. Previous Work: A list of key publications or achievements relevant to the proposed research area.

6. Timeline: A clear timeline indicating key milestones and deliverables.

7. Impact Statement: Explanation of how the project will contribute to SUAD’s research profile and the broader community.

8. Partnerships and Collaborations (if applicable): Any institutions, organizations, or individuals with whom the applicant will collaborate during the research.

9. Deliverables: Commitment to produce tangible outputs, including:

• Number of projects conducted within the timeframe.

• Number of PhD graduates produced.

• Number of scientific publications.

Submission Process

Proposals must be submitted to Head of SAFIR, Dr. Clio Chaveneau by December 10, 2025.

Review Process

Proposals will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

• Relevance to SUAD’s strategic themes and priorities.

• Innovation and originality of the proposed research.

• The expertise and qualifications of the research team, including their track record in conducting high-impact research.

• Potential for collaboration and interdisciplinary engagement.

• Expected impact and deliverables.

Important Dates

• Proposal Submission Deadline: December 12, 2025

Contact Information

For inquiries regarding the Priority Research Grants, please contact Dr. Clio Chaveneau clio.chaveneau@sorbone.apps.plana.ae and Manon Alhakim manonalhakim@sorbone.apps.plana.ae

We look forward to receiving your proposals and supporting groundbreaking research that will advance knowledge and address global challenges.