A research grant was an amount of money given to scientists in order to allow them to complete research in their chosen field.
When explaining to Kira Nerys why he had chosen to be posted at Deep Space 9 in 2369, Julian Bashir said "I didn't want some cushy job or a research grant. I wanted this. The farthest reaches of the galaxy. One of the most remote outposts available. This is where the adventure is. This is where heroes are made. Right here, in the wilderness." (DS9: "Emissary")