National Research Fund Established with Initial USD 648,508 Investment

The National Research Fund, with an initial allocation of approximately USD 648,508, has been established, State Minister of Higher Education, Labour and Skills Development Ahmed Shafeeu has revealed. The fund is designed to foster research and cultivate an environment that supports scholarly pursuits across the country.

In a statement made during PSM News’ ‘Raajje Miadhu’ programme, State Minister Shafeeu announced the establishment of the National Research Fund, which will be managed by the newly formulated National Research Council.

The Higher Education Ministry is currently identifying key areas and fields of research, according to State Minister Shafeeu, and formulating guidelines to govern the utilisation of finances from the fund. These efforts would be carried out with utmost transparency, he added.

“To initiate the fund, an allocation of approximately USD 648,508 has been made this year. For the upcoming year, the budget indicates that further finances will be allocated to the fund. Consequently, we will be issuing grants to support research,” he stated.

Members of the National Research Council, who have already been appointed, will oversee the management of the National Research Fund. Their mandate encompasses identifying research areas, establishing and executing guidelines for research grants, and determining the grant amounts.

The council’s responsibilities also encompass developing higher education strategies based on contemporary science and research, authorising and counselling authorities on research, and fostering the development of skilled researchers in the country. The council will also set standards to assess research conducted in the Maldives.

The council will also assist students, educators, scientists, and researchers in conducting relevant research and will have the authority to establish standards for strengthening higher education and training practices in the Maldives.