Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA) has opened applications for this year’s MMA Research Fund, with a total of MVR5 million available in grants.
Applications must be submitted through the MMA Research Fund Portal by October 13.
The fund provides grants for independent research and book-writing projects.
MMA said the grants aim to encourage scholarly research and publications that support evidence-based policymaking, particularly innovative, high-quality research promoting domestic economic and financial stability.
Individuals, educational institutions and thinktanks can apply for the fund.
The individual leading a research team must hold at least a master’s degree, while applicants with PhDs are encouraged to apply.
The fund will prioritize research aligned with the MMA’s objectives and areas of greatest national need. However, the central bank said proposals in other fields may also be considered.
Additional areas include:
- Economic stability, monetary policy and inflation dynamics
- Financial prudence, legislation and innovation
- Digitalisation, fintech and financial inclusion
- Tourism and sustainable economic development
- Islamic finance and sustainable development
- Labour markets and education
- Housing, urban development and special economic zones
- Health, public spending and social security
MMA Research Fund was launched in December 2024, with its first round of funding opened in 2025.
Six research proposals and one book-writing grant were awarded under the fund last year.
