Deadline: 20 February 2025
The Middle East Studies Association (MESA), Arab Council for the Social Sciences (ACSS), and Orient Institute Beirut (OIB), in collaboration with American University of Cairo (AUC) AUC, are hosting a five-day workshop designed for doctoral students interested in archival and ethnographic research in the Arab world.
Theme: Why Location Matters: Doctoral Research in the Arab World
Dates: June 29 – July 3, 2025
Location: AUC Campus
Workshop Overview
This interdisciplinary workshop will bring together doctoral students from North American, German, and Arab universities to explore critical approaches, epistemological frameworks, and practical challenges of conducting research in the Arab region.
Key topics include
- How research locations in the Global North and South shape methodologies and knowledge production.
- The transformation of interpretive communities when scholars from diverse regions collaborate in an Arab learning hub.
The workshop will foster a transnational scholarly community and include academic mentors from both the Arab world and North America.
Languages: Sessions will be conducted in both Arabic and English. Participants must be proficient in both languages to ensure full engagement.
Eligibility
Eligible candidates are:
- Doctoral students in the social sciences and humanities.
- In the early stages of research, with approved dissertation projects.
North American Applicants
- Must be 2025 members of MESA.
- Submit the following:
- 1,000-word project description.
- 250-word paragraph on how location shapes epistemic and research methodologies.
- Proof of candidacy and transcript.
- Letters of recommendation from:
- Dissertation advisor.
- Language instructor, attesting to Arabic proficiency.
Costs and Funding
- Participants are encouraged to seek partial funding for air travel from their universities.
- MESA will provide a letter confirming workshop participation for visa purposes.
- Participants are responsible for securing Egyptian visas.
How to Apply
- Complete the application form and upload all required materials.
- Request recommendation letters to be sent directly to secretariat@mesana.org.
For questions, contact secretariat@mesana.org.
This is a unique opportunity to engage in critical discussions on research methodologies and knowledge production while building a transnational scholarly network. Apply by February 20, 2025.
For Application please visit:
