2026 Research Grant Program

To stimulate new and diverse lines of discourse about the Middle East and Africa, ASMEA’s Research Grants Program seeks to support research on topics that deserve greater attention. An applicant may submit a proposal on any topic as long as it is relevant to the fields of Middle East and Africa, and constitutes new and original research. Grants of $2500 will be awarded. For eligibility and requirements, refer to the grant guidelines.

Guidelines:

  • Applicants must be current members of ASMEA and engaged in ongoing study of the Middle East or Africa. Applicants also must be enrolled in a Ph.D. program (with M.A. complete), or; serve in a post-doc capacity, or; serve as a visiting/assistant/associate/full professor teaching two or more courses per semester at an accredited institution. Applicants may be affiliated with any academic discipline.
  • Applications must be accompanied by a paper proposal that represents new and un-published research relevant to ASMEA's areas of study. 
  • First time and junior grant applicants are preferred but each application will be judged on its merits.
  • Applicants to the Research Grants Program must submit two brief letters of reference from a colleague, advisor, or chair familiar with their work.
  • Students must submit proof of enrollment and expected graduation date.
  • Applications will be accepted only via the ASMEA online submission portal.
  • Successful Research Grant Program applicants will be required to present their research at the Nineteenth Annual ASMEA Conference in Washington, D.C. Research grant winners also must provide ASMEA the right of first refusal for potential publication of their papers in the peer-reviewed, Journal of the Middle East and Africa.
  • Research grants may be used to cover any costs associated with conducting research for the specified proposal.
  • All research and writing must be completed by the deadline for final papers. Projects that go into 2027 will not be considered.
  • All grant applicants are eligible to win only one grant of any kind in 2026.
  • All submissions submitted with a Research Grant will be considered in our Call for Papers regardless of whether awarded a grant or not. No separate paper submission is necessary to be considered in the general Call for Papers.
  • The deadline to submit is May 1, 2026.
Apply for a Research Grant

Competing for a grant program or prize is a member benefit and only active members of ASMEA will be able to submit an online application. You can join ASMEA here.

Technical issues or questions for submitting can be directed to Emily Lucas at [email protected]. You can also view FAQs about the online submission form here.