WFSF Middle East and North Africa Chapter

• To encourage scholarly work and collaboration in futures studies.
• To encourage a future-oriented approach of various disciplines and the application of the methods of Futures Studies.
• To make quality contributions to the development of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) and the international Society.
• To contribute to the state of art of the related topics of the proposals in the context of intergenerational learning and Futures Studies ("Thinking about alternative futures...").
• To reflect on the Saudi Vision 2030 and enrich its goals by possible implementations.

The maximum allowable grant for each proposal is 5,000 USD.

The grant proposal is expected to produce at least one ISI with impact factor (Clarivate Analytics)/ Scopus journal publication. Scholars are requested to propose names of 2-3 target journals for publication. Preliminary dissemination of results is expected by the beginning of November 2022 while the final outcomes should be obvious and convincing after one year from the date of acceptance.

Application may be submitted by an individual or a group of researchers. Applications are invited from all disciplines, as long as the proposal explains the link between intergenerational learning and futures. There should be no conflict of interest for those who will submit a proposal: one applicant cannot be involved in more than one proposal. Advisors with a minor role may be involved in several applications.
The proposals are open for both regional and international scholars. The proposals aim at encouraging networking and quadruple helix partnerships in research. Also, projects by intra-disciplinary or interdisciplinary research groups are encouraged. Grantees of previous year’s Futures Research Grant (2020, 2021) are eligible only if they have satisfied all requirements (letter of acceptance for publication) and concluded their research

The deadline for receipt of the full proposals is Sunday, June 29, 2022. Applicants of accepted proposals will be notified by end of July 2022.

The duration of the proposal execution is one year, starting from the date of acceptance of the proposal.
A progress report should be submitted to the Director of Prince Mohammad Bin Fahd Center for Futuristic Studies after six months and a final report at completion. Progress reports are brief statements regarding progress made on all proposed research steps. They should mention targeted journals and status of acceptance.
The funding will be based on 2 instalments (20% and 80% of the total budget), these instalments are subjected to approval from the Director of Prince Mohammad Bin Fahd Center for Futuristic Studies and are based on the following criteria:

1. After acceptance of the proposal, 20% of the fund can be released after an online 5-10 minute video presentation of the objectives and action plan.
2. Before receiving the last 80% of the budget, the applicant should have submitted and received acceptance for a Scopus or ISI indexed journal article.

After 6 months, a 5-15 minute video created by researchers will be presented on an online event organized by PMU and WFSF.
Please note that:

1. All expenses for attended conference along with the publication fees should be covered from the budget that the applicant will receive.
2. All the papers should include an acknowledgement for Prince Mohammad Bin Fahd Center for Futuristic Studies at Prince Mohammad Bin Fahd University and the World Futures Studies Federation.

Proposals are to be submitted in electronic form (Word or Pdf format) and must include the following components:

1. Abstract: Define the Research Problem. Describe the Relevance and Significance of the issue to be addressed. Choose a significant and attractive title for your research.
2. Scope: Describe the range of area you wish to address and justification for the choice.
3. Objectives: State specific, measurable, relevant, and time-bound objectives. Relate the project to theoretical needs and demonstrate their impacts on the society.
4. Description of the Proposed Project: How will this project be undertaken? List how it will be creative, scientific, and has a societal impact. Show how the project supports the purpose.
5. Literature Review: Summarize the relevant literature and describe and explain the need for a new study that you are proposing to validate, extrapolate or to criticize the previous findings.
6. Methodology: The methodology section should describe how each specific objective will be achieved, with enough detail to enable an independent and informed assessment of the proposal. This section should include research task, data collection, data analysis and specific tools that will study each research objective.
7. Budget Details: State the expenses related to: salaries, data collection, books, stationary, communications, etc.
8. Administrative details.

The proposals must be presented in a sufficiently brief way according to the following boundaries:

1. An outline of the proposal that you will submit the research problem, relevance and significance of the research issue, and the impact on society (no more than 600 words).
2. A research synopsis clearly indicating the Research objectives, scope, proposed research methodology, a budget specification and the time frame (no more than 2,000 words).
3. A synopsis of the applicant(s) (no more than 300 words per applicant) as well as administrative/contact data.

The following criteria will be adopted to select the best proposals:

1. Relevance of the proposal: The degree to which the proposal addresses present or future issues needed - including but not limited to economy, and society - priority will be given to proposals that serve and are aligned with the Saudi Vison 2030.
2. Research objectives: The specificity, measurability, attainability, and time frame.
3. Contribution: How significant are the contributions to the discipline of futures studies.
4. Proposer’s Past Scholarship/Expertise: Expertise of the applicants in relation to the proposed research.
5. Research Methodology: The degree to which the proposal represents a creative and scientific approach (quantitative or proven qualitative methods) to the accomplishment of objectives.
6. Feasibility: Potential for longer-term sustainability beyond the period of the proposed research.
7. Cost effectiveness: Budget is complete, realistic, and justifiable.

PMU Scientific Research Grant Proposal Submission Link All correspondence and related documents should be emailed to PMFCFS@pmu.edu.sa

Email subject should be: “2022 Research Grant Application - then specify your own details“