One of the most competitive research grant schemes in Malaysia is the "Long Term Research Grant Scheme or LRGS". Basically, LRGS focuses on fundamental research that aims towards producing cutting edge ideas and solution to existing issues. Preferably, those interested to apply for LRGS must find a "niche" that is strategically aligned with the country's research and development agenda. For 2013, the Ministry of Education has identified several research niche areas. This includes topics such as : Global Warming, Infectious Diseases, Tropical Medicine, Energy and Water safety, Food Self-Sufficiency, Advanced Technology & Value Added, ICT, Halal Food, Wakaf Financing and Youth Issues. In developing their research proposals, researchers of a particular university need to include other researchers from at least two universities into their research team. Researchers then prepare a concept paper outlining their research program. Usually, each research program is supported by several integrated research projects. The concept papers are reviewed by a panel of experts and those selected will be invited to prepare a more
comprehensive proposal. The research teams are invited to present their proposals to a larger panel members. At this point, only a few good proposals will be invited to prepare a full proposal. Again, the full proposal will be further evaluated by the panels. Only those whose proposals are approved at this level will be recommended for LRGS funding. ARI Director, Professor Dr Normah Omar has been appointed as an assessor for both the preliminary round as well as at the final stage of LRGS evaluation.
