The Office of Sponsored Research assists the Senior Vice President for Research, Innovation and Economic Development in ensuring that KAUST's knowledge ecosystem is both world class and sustainable and that KAUST research is innovatively integrated with the University's education and economic development missions. KAUST has developed a unique funding model that allows the University to have virtually complete control over its research destiny. OSR manages this funding model by supporting the most meritorious and transformational research proposed by KAUST researchers and by catalyzing synergies and collaborations between KAUST researchers and with global partners.

Competitive Research Funds administers the University's competitive process for internal funding; this merit-based process is designed to identify the best research and researchers at KAUST.  CRF is distinguished by its strategic and operational expertise, allowing it to design, introduce, nurture, monitor and evaluate research programs that advance scientific knowledge at KAUST and in the Kingdom, the MENA region, and the world.

The Research Services team provides administrative and contractual support to KAUST researchers who are applying for, negotiating and managing internal and external funding.

The Research Evaluation team uses research intelligence to report emerging trends to the Senior Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Economic Development.