The Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA) has opened applications for its 2026 Research Fund, allocating a total of MVR 5 million to support academic research and book projects aimed at strengthening evidence-based policymaking and contributing to the long-term economic and financial stability of the Maldives.
Applications are being accepted under two categories — Independent Research Grants and Book Grants. The programme is designed to encourage researchers, academics and institutions to produce high-quality and innovative research that can provide policymakers with deeper insights into issues affecting the Maldivian economy, financial system and broader development priorities.
Individuals, educational institutions and think tanks are eligible to apply. For research proposals submitted by teams, the team leader must hold at least a Master’s degree or a higher academic qualification. The MMA has also strongly encouraged individuals holding PhD qualifications to participate, reflecting the Authority’s focus on attracting experienced researchers and strengthening the quality of policy-oriented research in the country.
Research proposals will primarily be assessed based on their relevance to the objectives of the MMA and national development priorities. The Authority has identified several priority research areas, including economic stability, monetary policy and inflation dynamics; financial sector resilience, regulation and innovation; digitalisation, FinTech and financial inclusion; tourism and the sustainable economy; Islamic finance and sustainable development; the labour market and education sector; housing, urban development and spatial economics; and the health sector, public expenditure and social protection. Researchers may also submit proposals covering other relevant areas outside the identified themes.
The expanded MVR 5 million allocation provides greater opportunities for academics and researchers to contribute knowledge that can support informed decision-making as the Maldives continues to strengthen its economic institutions, modernise its financial sector and pursue sustainable national development. Research into tourism, digital finance, Islamic finance, employment, housing and social protection could also provide valuable policy insights across some of the country’s most important economic and development sectors.
The MMA Research Fund was launched in December 2024 during the Authority’s Research Conference as part of efforts to strengthen research culture and promote closer engagement between policymakers and the academic community. During the first funding round in 2025, six research proposals and one book grant received support, establishing the foundation for the programme’s continued expansion.
Applications for the 2026 MMA Research Fund will remain open until 13 October 2026 and must be submitted through the MMA Research Fund Portal. The initiative further strengthens the Maldives’ institutional focus on research-led policymaking and creates an important platform for researchers to contribute directly to the country’s economic and financial development.
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