The Islamic Research and Training Institute (IRTI) of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group has issued calls for proposals for research grants, research fellowships and visiting scholars programs for the year 2018. The schemes are part of IRTI’s efforts to support the development of Islamic economics, finance and banking.

Under each of the three programs, IRTI will provide funding for successful candidates to implement research projects within IRTI’s research priority areas, namely Islamic Finance Innovation, Development and Stability; Islamic Finance for Sustainable Development; and Comprehensive Human Development based on the objectives of Shariah.

Successful candidates in the IRTI Research Grants Program will receive funding of up to $20,000 to implement research projects for a period of three-six months. 

The grants are available for think tanks, research institutions, and individual researchers. Applications for research grants can be submitted no later than July 30.

The IRTI Research Fellowship Scheme is designed to enhance research excellence in the IRTI research priority areas. The fellow will be based in their own institution, and will be expected to spend a week each year during the fellowship period at IRTI headquarters in Jeddah. IRTI will cover the travel and accommodation costs. 

The fellowship program targets: (a) Prominent practitioners with impeccable records of scholarly work and evidence of intellectual leadership in Islamic banking and finance; and (b) Scholars in Islamic economics and finance, with evidence of significant contributions to knowledge, and recognition in professional circles.

The IRTI Visiting Scholar Program aims to, among others, promote policy-relevant academic research that is essential, relevant and impactful, and to expose IRTI researchers to recent advances in Islamic economics and finance research.

Successful visiting scholar candidates will conduct research in IRTI research priority areas for a period of two months during 2018 or 2019. They will also have the opportunity to engage directly with experts and experienced professionals from within the IsDB Group. IRTI will cover the scholar’s international travel and living expenses in Jeddah, and research fund to facilitate their work.

Submission of applications for the fellowship scheme and the visiting scholars program closes on July 31.