Call for Applications:

OIB Research Relief Fellowships 2020

The Orient-Institut Beirut (OIB) is initiating a Research Relief Fellowship as an emergency response to the built-up challenges that Lebanese scholars at all career levels engaged in scientific research are facing in 2020.

It is designed to support Lebanese and other Middle Eastern scholars based in Lebanon whose research funding for specific projects has been affected by the economic crisis, the Corona shutdown and most recently the catastrophic blast in the Beirut Harbor Area.

To this end, the OIB invites Lebanese and other Middle Eastern scholars based in Lebanon in the fields of Islamic Studies, Middle East History, Arab literature, Sociology and Political science of MENA (or closely related disciplines) with a strong research interest and outreach in the MENA region to apply for the OIB Research Relief Fellowships.

Applicants should give a brief summary of their research project, its current stage as well as an outline of the research goals and projected timetable. In addition a summary of previous funding as well as the problems encountered specifically in the year 2020 is mandatory. The sum awarded will depend on the career level and factors related to the duration the applicant seeks for this emergency relief fellowship.

Fellows will actively participate in the OIB’s research community, the weekly internal colloquia and relevant scholarly activities and events. Fellows are expected to present their work at least once during their fellowship. Office space cannot be offered, the library is under repair and will reopen according to circumstances.

Applications must include:

1.      A brief cover letter

2.      Curriculum vitae

3.      Research proposal / project description (max. 1000 words)

4.      Research schedule for the fellowship with realistic outcomes to be achieved within the proposed duration of the fellowship

5.      Short summary of previous funding and current funding situation

6.      At least one letter of recommendation

7.      Copy of your highest university degree

The application package in English should be submitted as a single PDF file (letters of recommendation should be submitted directly by the referee) to schaebler@orient-institut.org until 3/10/2020.