Empowering Emerging Voices: Inside the MENA Junior Fellowship Program

The MENA Junior Fellowship is a competitive initiative created to nurture early-career researchers focused on Middle East and North Africa (MENA) studies. As demand grows for nuanced, locally grounded scholarship, the program is structured to equip emerging academics with the tools, mentorship, and institutional support necessary to thrive in both academic and policy spaces.

Participants benefit from structured research development, expert supervision, and formal affiliation with the Social Sciences Lab MENA. The fellowship is designed to help young scholars sharpen their research capabilities, expand professional networks, and contribute meaningful insights to global conversations on the MENA region.

What Fellows Receive

Successful applicants gain access to a robust support framework that includes:

• A one-year research affiliation with Social Sciences Lab MENA, with continued access to its wider community
• Individualized mentorship from established scholars in MENA studies
• Opportunities to collaborate on research projects and pursue publication
• Practical guidance on academic writing and navigating scholarly publishing
• Participation in thematic research clusters focused on specialized regional topics
• Skills-building workshops covering methodology, academic writing, and professional networking

Through this combination of theory and practice, fellows strengthen both their academic credentials and real-world research impact.

Who Can Apply

The fellowship welcomes candidates who:

• Are nationals of MENA countries or demonstrate sustained academic engagement with the region
• Possess Arabic language proficiency (English skills are an added advantage)
• Hold at least a Bachelor’s degree
• Have reliable internet access for virtual engagement
• Commit to active participation in program activities

The program is especially suited for recent graduates and junior scholars seeking to deepen their research expertise.

How to Apply

Applicants must complete the online form via the official fellowship website. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interviews, with final selection based on academic merit, research promise, and alignment with program objectives.

For inquiries, contact: fellowship@ssl-mena.org

Interested candidates are encouraged to review all requirements carefully before applying.