All NRF research grants are administered through the RITA system.

The approved grant shall only be used for items that are integral to the research programme as approved by the NRF. On completion of the programme, any fund that is not utilized will be returned to the National Research Fund.

The following criteria are used to determine the merits of a research programme:

• High Impact Science
  The programme must involve innovative and cutting-edge research and must seek to bring together the best R&D talent available.
• Excellent Execution
  The programme should set out defined objectives, reasonable deliverables and establish a clear structure of accountability. It should have regular reviews to ensure that the stated objectives are achieved.
• Maximise Economic and Societal Benefits
  The programme should leverage on Singapore's existing strengths and be in areas where Singapore has or could have a competitive advantage. It should clearly articulate how the benefits would be captured in Singapore.

Annual progress reports and a final report on completion of the programme shall be submitted to the NRF. Guidelines for such reports include:

• Description of progress
  Current status of the programme and milestones achieved to-date (referenced against original key performance indicators as in the proposal). Any delay or deviation from the agreed-upon milestones, as well as remedial actions and next-step actions should be explained. 
• Benefits of the programme
• Problems encountered
  Major issues faced and how these are addressed. 
• Other benefits (final report only)
  Other benefits outside the original key performance indicators. 

You can also find a list of open grant calls from NRF and other grant agencies below.