Top 10 Research Grants for International Scholars

by Shashikant Nishant Sharma

Certainly! Research grants are crucial for scholars to fund their investigations, experiments, and studies. Here are ten notable research grants across various fields:

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  1. National Institutes of Health (NIH) Grants: NIH offers a wide range of grants supporting biomedical and health-related research. These grants vary in focus, from basic science to clinical studies, fostering innovative discoveries and advancements in healthcare.
  2. National Science Foundation (NSF) Grants: NSF supports fundamental research and education across all fields of science and engineering. Grants cover diverse areas such as astronomy, biology, computer science, and social sciences.
  3. European Research Council (ERC) Grants: ERC provides funding for pioneering research in Europe across various disciplines, encouraging high-risk, high-gain projects that can lead to significant breakthroughs.
  4. Human Frontier Science Program (HFSP) Grants: HFSP supports collaborative, interdisciplinary research focused on the life sciences, providing grants for scientists from different countries to work together on innovative projects.
  5. Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Grants: This foundation offers grants to address global health issues, poverty alleviation, and education. Their grants often target innovative solutions and technological advancements with the potential for large-scale impact.
  6. Google Research Awards: Google supports academic research in computer science and related fields, providing grants for projects that can contribute to technology development and innovation.
  7. Wellcome Trust Grants: Wellcome Trust funds research in health, medical science, and medical humanities. They support a broad spectrum of projects from basic research to applied science.
  8. The Fulbright Program: Fulbright awards grants for international educational exchange for students, scholars, and professionals to study, teach, or conduct research. It promotes mutual understanding between people of different countries.
  9. NASA Research Grants: NASA funds research in space exploration, aeronautics, and Earth sciences. Grants support projects ranging from astrophysics to climate studies and technology development for space missions.
  10. Social Science Research Council (SSRC) Grants: SSRC provides funding for social science research addressing critical global issues, including inequality, governance, and human rights.

These grants not only offer financial support but also provide scholars with opportunities for networking, collaboration, and dissemination of their research findings, contributing significantly to the advancement of knowledge and innovation in various fields.


Research Grant
URLProbable Application Period
National Institutes of HealthNIH GrantsVaries; Check Funding Opportunities
National Science FoundationNSF GrantsVaries by Program; Check Announcements
European Research CouncilERC GrantsAnnually; Check ERC Funding Calls
Human Frontier Science ProgramHFSP GrantsAnnually; Check Application Deadlines
Bill & Melinda Gates FoundationGates Foundation GrantsVaries; Check Grant Programs
Google Research AwardsGoogle Research AwardsAnnually; Check Application Periods
Wellcome TrustWellcome Trust GrantsVaries; Check Grant Schemes
The Fulbright ProgramFulbright GrantsAnnually; Check Application Deadlines
NASA Research GrantsNASA GrantsVaries; Check Funding Opportunities
Social Science Research CouncilSSRC GrantsVaries; Check Grant Programs

Please note that the URLs provided here are placeholders and may not directly link to the specific grant application pages. It’s advisable to visit the respective organization’s official website for accurate and updated information on grant opportunities and application procedures. The application periods for these grants vary widely, so checking the websites regularly or subscribing to their newsletters can keep you updated on application deadlines and grant cycles.