Singapore's Bold Step Forward in SSH Research
The Ministry of Education (MOE) in Singapore has unveiled a transformative S$556 million investment over the next five financial years (FY2026 to FY2030) dedicated to fortifying the social sciences and humanities (SSH) research ecosystem. Announced on February 26, 2026, at the launch of the 2026 Social Science and Humanities Ideas Festival at Singapore Management University (SMU), this funding marks a significant 21 percent increase—or S$99 million more—compared to the previous S$457 million allocation for FY2021 to FY2025. This strategic infusion underscores Singapore's commitment to nurturing world-class SSH scholarship that addresses pressing national and global challenges, from ageing populations to artificial intelligence (AI) integration in society.
Social sciences and humanities research, often encompassing disciplines like sociology, psychology, history, linguistics, and anthropology, plays a pivotal role in understanding human behavior, societal dynamics, and cultural contexts. In Singapore's context, where rapid urbanization, multiculturalism, and technological advancement define the landscape, SSH insights are indispensable for evidence-based policymaking. The funding, channeled through the Social Science Research Council (SSRC)—established in 2016 under the National Research Foundation (NRF)—aims to amplify these contributions within the higher education sector, particularly at autonomous universities (AUs) such as the National University of Singapore (NUS), Nanyang Technological University (NTU), and SMU.
Breaking Down the Funding Allocation and Key Programs
The S$556 million will primarily support three flagship SSRC initiatives, each tailored to different stages of the research pipeline and directly benefiting university-based researchers.
- Social Science and Humanities Research Thematic Grant (SSHR-TG): Launched in 2016, this grant funds investigator-led projects in areas strategically relevant to Singapore and Asia. Available in three tiers—Type A (S$100,000–S$1 million), Type B (S$1–5 million), and Type C (S$5–10 million) over 3–5 years—it encourages interdisciplinary collaborations. Principal investigators must hold primary appointments at eligible hosts like NUS, NTU, SMU, Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD), Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS), or Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT). To date, 54 projects have been funded, covering geopolitics, public housing, and ageing.
- Social Science and Humanities Research Fellowship (SSHRF): Targeting early-career Singaporean researchers at AUs, this provides up to S$1 million over five years for independent projects. It has supported 21 fellows, fostering the next generation of SSH leaders.
- SSRC Graduate Research Fellowship (GRF): Facilitates doctoral or postdoctoral training at top overseas institutions for outstanding Singaporeans, with commitments to return and join local AUs. 48 projects funded, training around 200 PhD students previously.
These programs ensure a robust talent pipeline, with funds restricted primarily to local activities except approved overseas fieldwork. The 2025 SSHR-TG call closed in August 2025, signaling ongoing momentum.
Proven Impacts from Previous Funding Cycles
The prior S$457 million tranche yielded tangible outcomes, demonstrating SSH research's real-world value. For instance, NUS social work professor Irene Ng's study on in-work poverty among young platform workers directly influenced the Platform Workers Bill, enacted in September 2024 to enhance protections for gig economy participants. At SMU, Professor Paulin Straughan's Centre for Research on Successful Ageing collaborates with agencies to promote elderly well-being, addressing Singapore's super-ageing society projected to have one in four residents aged 65+ by 2030.
Nearly 80 projects spanned behavioral science, medical humanities, and sustainability, informing policies on mental health, social cohesion, and climate resilience. These successes highlight how university-led SSH work translates into societal benefits, from housing policies to regional cyber resilience studies.Read the full MOE press release.
Empowering Singapore's Leading Universities
Singapore's autonomous universities stand to gain immensely, as they host the bulk of funded research. NUS's Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASS)—home to departments like Sociology, Psychology, and History—has been a SSH powerhouse, producing policy-influencing work. NTU's College of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences (CoHASS) integrates SSH with tech, exploring AI ethics and urban sustainability. SMU's School of Social Sciences (SoSS) excels in applied economics and public policy, evident in its ageing research center.
Smaller AUs like SUSS emphasize lifelong learning in SSH, while SUTD blends design with social innovation. This funding will enable more cross-institutional projects, elevating Singapore's QS rankings—NUS at 8th and NTU at 12th globally in 2026.Explore SSRC projects. For aspiring researchers, opportunities abound in higher ed research positions.
Minister Desmond Lee's Vision for SSH Excellence
Education Minister Desmond Lee, speaking at SMU, emphasized SSH's role in navigating complexity: "We live in times of great complexity and uncertainty... social science and humanities research can help us make sense of what’s going on, chart our course, identify trends, avoid pitfalls, and seize opportunities." He highlighted applications in climate resilience, AI job impacts, ageing support, and community trust-building.
Lee stressed applied research for real impact and growing local talent: "To do so, we must grow our own pool of world-class researchers who understand Singapore’s unique context." He urged collaborations across government and academia to tackle global issues, positioning Singapore as a thought leader.
The 2026 Ideas Festival: A Showcase of SSH Innovation
Coinciding with the announcement, the month-long Ideas Festival (February 26–March 27) features 33 events with over 100 researchers from AUs and institutions. Themes include mental wellbeing amid tech disruption and societal adaptation strategies. Supported by SSRC, it exemplifies the vibrant SSH community, fostering public engagement and interdisciplinary dialogue.
Strategic Focus Areas and Global Relevance
Future funding prioritizes Singapore-centric challenges: mental health, AI societal integration, ageing, geopolitical shifts, and regional resilience (e.g., cyber threats in Southeast Asia). By emphasizing Asia-relevant research, it positions universities as hubs for thought leadership, attracting international collaborations. This aligns with Research, Innovation and Enterprise 2025 (RIE2025) and beyond, balancing STEM dominance with SSH depth.
- Enhance local PhD training and repatriation via GRF.
- Promote interdisciplinary grants for ambitious projects.
- Support early-career independence through SSHRF.
Career Opportunities and Talent Pipeline in Higher Ed
This boost signals booming prospects for SSH academics. Universities will expand faculties, creating roles in research, lecturing, and policy advising. Early-career scholars can leverage SSHRF for tenure-track paths, while GRF alumni return as assistant professors. Check faculty jobs and postdoc opportunities at Singapore unis. For career guidance, visit higher ed career advice.
Stakeholders view it positively, though experts call for measuring long-term impacts and diversifying applicant pools amid competition for top talent.
Challenges, Solutions, and Future Outlook
Despite successes, SSH faces perceptions of lower funding priority versus STEM. The 21% hike counters this, but sustaining outputs requires streamlined evaluations and international benchmarking. Solutions include more public dissemination and industry partnerships.
Looking ahead, expect 60+ new SSHR-TG projects, expanded fellowships, and festival annualization. This will solidify Singapore's universities as SSH powerhouses, driving inclusive growth. Researchers eyeing Singapore should monitor SSRC calls.Browse university jobs.
In summary, MOE's S$556 million commitment heralds a golden era for SSH in Singapore higher education, blending rigorous scholarship with practical impact. Explore professor ratings or higher ed jobs to join the ecosystem.
