Guidelines - Strategic Grant 2026
The Sarawak Research and Development Council (Sarawak RDC) research funds will cover disciplines in science and technology (excluding digital technology). The Council does not support social sciences, economics, and the arts and humanities, but these may be incorporated into submissions as collaboration and synergistic research activities.
How to apply
Applications are to be completed in English and submitted through the grant management system, RPMON, which is available under Research tab.
Before you begin, take note of these key points:
- ELIGIBILITY AND COMPLIANCE REQUIREMENTS
- Current Grant Holders: Existing SRDC grant recipients with active or ongoing projects are not eligible to apply as the main applicant.
- Researcher Profile: Applicants must ensure that their research profile is complete and up to date, as it will be used to determine compliance with eligibility and evaluation requirements.
- Duplicate or Overlapping Funding: Proposals that are currently funded by other sources or are substantially similar in theme or scope to existing projects will not be considered.
- Duplicate Submissions: Research teams from the same institution working on similar themes must collaborate and submit a single consolidated proposal; separate submissions will not be accepted.
- Funding Restrictions: SRDC funds must not be used for capital expenditures (CAPEX) such as equipment purchases or building construction.
- Student and Personnel Costs: Funds cannot be used solely for student stipends or hiring of research assistants.
- Research Focus and Commercial Potential: Proposals must contain a clear research component with defined pathways toward commercialisation. Projects limited to data collection, inventory, or surveys without research or innovation elements will not be funded. Proposals demonstrating strong commercial potential will be prioritised.
- Feasibility and Long-Term Impact: The proposed project must be achievable within the specified timeframe and demonstrate the potential for long-term sustainability and funding leverage.
- Dissemination Plan: Each proposal must include a comprehensive dissemination strategy, outlining how results, outputs, and policy recommendations will be communicated to relevant stakeholders.
- Collaboration Evidence: A Letter of Intent (LOI) or equivalent document must be provided as proof of collaboration with relevant industries, agencies, or partners.
- Principal Investigator (PI) Tenure: The PI must have a minimum of one (1) year of service remaining at their institution as of the application deadline.
- Study or Sabbatical Leave: Applicants on study or sabbatical leave exceeding six (6) months from the application closing date are not eligible to serve as PI but may participate as co-researchers. The researcher must update this information, and the institutional Research Management Centre (RMC) must verify it.
- Institutional Verification: All applications must be evaluated, endorsed, and verified by the Director of RMC of the respective institution or agency before submission.
- Funding Declaration: Applicants must declare all other sources of funding obtained or applied for that relate to the proposed project.
- Research Integrity: All institutions and researchers must comply with the Malaysia Code of Responsible Conduct in Research (MCRCR) and uphold the highest standards of research ethics and integrity.
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