The American Political Science Association (APSA), in partnership with the MENA Politics Section, is inviting applications for the 2026 MENA Research Development Group (RDG). This initiative supports early-career scholars whose research focuses on the Middle East and North Africa by helping them refine publishable research, expand academic networks, and participate in the APSA Annual Meeting.
Selected participants will attend the APSA Annual Meeting in Boston, Massachusetts (3–6 September 2026), beginning with a full-day seminar on 2 September 2026 dedicated to in-depth feedback on article-length manuscripts and professional development in academic publishing.
Key Details
- Host Country: United States
- Location: Boston, Massachusetts
- Event Dates: 3–6 September 2026 (seminar on 2 September)
- Organizer: American Political Science Association (APSA)
- Participants Selected: Up to 6 scholars
- Application Deadline: 1 March 2026
Program Benefits
Participants will:
- Receive detailed feedback on an article-length research manuscript from senior scholars
- Join academic writing and publishing guidance sessions
- Attend APSA panels, receptions, and networking events
- Access mentorship and connections within the political science community
- Be eligible for an APSA Travel Grant of up to $1,000 to support travel and accommodation
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
- Be early-career scholars (graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, or faculty within the first three years of a tenure-track position)
- Conduct research focused on the Middle East and North Africa (MENA)
- Prepare a single-authored article-length manuscript intended for submission to a peer-reviewed journal
- Submit application materials in English
Scholars currently based in the MENA region are especially encouraged to apply.
Application Requirements
Applicants must provide:
- Completed online application form
- Recent academic CV or résumé
- 1,000-word research proposal to be developed into a full paper
- List of 3–5 suggested senior scholars who could serve as discussants
Selected candidates will be notified by mid-April 2026, with further deadlines in May (travel grant application) and 2 August 2026 (full paper submission).
