Doha, November 02, 2026 : Qatar Foundation for Social Work (QFSW) has launched its first award dedicated to social research, aiming to encourage scientific studies that address key social issues and translate research findings into practical solutions that improve community services and beneficiaries' quality of life.
Announced at a press conference on Sunday, the award is supported by the Social and Sports Activities Support Fund (DAAM) and forms part of wider efforts to strengthen research in the social work sector, promote evidence-based policies and develop sustainable social initiatives.
The award will accept research proposals and applications from November 1 to 15, 2026, across three participation categories: secondary-school students; university students and academics; and professionals working in the social sector.
Research submissions will focus on three main areas: social phenomena and transformations; social services, interventions and their impact; and policies, advocacy and societal change. The topics are intended to encourage studies on changing family and social dynamics, assess the effectiveness of social programmes, and examine policies that support social protection and empower individuals and families.
The award will also encourage research addressing the needs of specific groups, including persons with disabilities, older adults, women, children, families, orphans without family support, young people vulnerable to risks and caregivers.
Applicants must be Qatari citizens or residents of Qatar. All submissions must be original, comply with research ethics and academic integrity standards, protect participants' privacy and rights, and properly acknowledge sources and references.
Under the technical requirements, school-track research must contain between 6,000 and 8,000 words, while submissions in the university and academic and social-sector professionals tracks must range from 8,000 to 12,000 words, excluding appendices and references. The latter two tracks must also include an executive summary of no more than 250 words.
QFSW Director of Strategic Planning Shaima Ahmed Al Janahi said the award seeks to raise awareness of priority social issues and encourage innovative, research-based solutions that can improve social programmes and services.
She noted that the initiative aims to develop analytical and creative skills among younger generations while giving researchers and community professionals opportunities to contribute to understanding social challenges. She also highlighted the role of QFSW's specialised service centres in connecting research findings with practical implementation and assessing their impact on beneficiaries.
For his part, DAAM Director of the Shared Services Department Yousef Mohammed Al Nuaimi said the Fund's support reflects the importance of scientific research in examining social challenges and developing practical solutions for community services.
The evaluation process will comprise three stages: reviewing research proposals, assessing completed studies and evaluating final presentations. A specialised scientific panel drawn from academic and professional institutions in Qatar will oversee the process, with each submission assessed independently by at least two judges.
In the first stage, 30 proposals will be shortlisted for implementation, with 10 selected from each track. Following the completion and assessment of the studies, 15 entries will advance to the final presentations, with five from each category. Nine winners will ultimately be selected, with three winners in each track.
The cash prizes for the school category are QAR 20,000 for first place, QAR 15,000 for second place and QAR 10,000 for third place. In both the university and academic category and the social-sector professionals category, the prizes are QAR 50,000, QAR 30,000 and QAR 20,000 for the top three positions, respectively.
According to the announced schedule, proposals will be evaluated from November 16 to 30, with the first-stage results due on December 3, 2026. Selected research projects will be conducted between December 3, 2026, and March 7, 2027, followed by an evaluation period running until April 7. Final presentations and second-stage results are scheduled for April 2027, while the winners and closing ceremony are expected in May.
Interested applicants can visit www.QatarSocial.org for the award's terms and conditions, application requirements, research categories, evaluation criteria and full timetable.
The initiative aligns with Qatar National Vision 2030 and QFSW's 2025–2030 strategic priorities, which focus on strengthening family stability, promoting social cohesion and advancing sustainable social development.
Source: QNA
