RIA opens 2026 research funding for academic institutions

Muscat – The Research and Innovation Authority (RIA) has announced the opening of submissions for its 2026 Institutional Performance-Based Funding Programme, inviting academic and research institutions across Oman to present proposals aligned with national priorities and research quality standards.

The authority said the programme aims to consolidate the research ecosystem, enhance institutional performance and support studies that contribute to Oman’s development goals in line with Vision 2040. The deadline for receiving funding applications is May 31, 2026.

RIA has issued detailed guidelines outlining eligibility and evaluation criteria. Both the principal investigator and co-investigator must be affiliated with the applying academic institution at the time of submission and until the signing of the research contract. Applicants must not have other RIA-funded projects that are still ongoing or incomplete.

The authority stipulated that researchers, supervisors and team members should not be part of the Research Projects Management Committee or act as liaison officers with RIA. Proposals must demonstrate relevance to Oman and be new projects that have not previously received funding or been implemented. The guidelines also stress the importance of avoiding conflicts of interest when selecting peer reviewers or research assistants.

In cases where no Omani specialist is available in the required field, institutions are required to appoint an Omani research assistant.

The programme offers tiered funding support. Doctorate holders or equivalent specialists can receive grants of up to RO20,000 for projects lasting two years. Graduate research grants – limited to Omanis – provide up to RO3,000 for two-year projects. Student research grants of up to RO1,500 are available for one-year projects, with eligibility tied to academic performance and study level.

RIA encouraged institutions to review the full application and procedural guidelines available through its digital platforms, noting that the programme is designed to promote high-impact research and build sustainable national research capacity.

The programme reflects Oman’s continued push to expand scientific output, foster innovation and strengthen collaboration between academia and national development sectors.