Purpose
of the Program
The purpose of this research-award
program is to give social scientists based in the Arab countries and Turkey
financial support to undertake research. The program is multidisciplinary and
invites applications from researchers in the various branches of the social
sciences including politics, political economy, sociology, anthropology,
social psychology, public policy, development, gender studies, regional and
international relations, and other fields.
Top of Page
- The MERC program is open to residents of the Arab countries and Turkey and expatriate scholars who have been residing in an Arab country or Turkey and affiliated with an institution there for the past five years.
- Applicants must have at least a master's degree in a social science discipline or its equivalent.
- They may be independent researchers or affiliated with a university or other research institution.
- Researchers may apply individually, or a group of researchers working on the same project may apply collectively.
1. Statement of the Research Question
A clear statement of the research problem, followed by a statement of the principal working hypothesis, and an exposition of the objectives, scope, and boundaries of the proposed study.2. Relevance and Importance of the Research
Applicants are asked to explain the importance of their research within the field and the particular contribution it will make as well as explain its relevance to contemporary conditions in their country or the region. Applications could be of an applied or theoretical nature, but in either case applicants should explain the link between the research they propose to undertake and the general task of understanding and improving social realities.3. Selective Literature Review
A review of previous work directly related to the proposed research project, highlighting the importance and anticipated contribution of the proposed study in light of the existing body of knowledge in the field.4. Research Methodology
An explanation of the general research methodology that will be adopted in the study as well as the particular research methods and techniques that will be employed.5. Implementation Schedule
Applicants must provide a month-by-month schedule describing how they intend to complete the research project. Schedules may extend up to a maximum of 18 months.6. Budget
Applicants must provide a detailed research budget. The budget may include the following types of expenses: compensation for research time, research assistance, field work, travel, books, research materials, software, typing, copying, and other direct research costs. MERC grants do not cover the purchase of major equipment such as computers or printers. Personnel to be paid through the grant should be listed by position or task and, if possible, by name.Awards are usually within the range of US $8,000- $14,000. Exceptionally, and if there is ample justification, additional grant money can be included to cover costly elements such as field surveys.
7. Plans for Publication and Dissemination
How does the applicant plan to disseminate the results of the research? MERC strongly encourages publication as professional articles or books; in addition, applicants might want to consider supplementary dissemination of some of the key findings of the research via lectures, newspaper articles, and other methods.8. Curriculum Vitae
An up-to-date Curriculum Vitae for each principal investigator must be submitted. This should include educational background, positions held, previous research undertaken, and publications completed. Applicants with an M.A. only must also submit two letters of recommendation from their graduate professors.9. Format
Applications must be typed and double-spaced and should be submitted in two identical copies. Applications are usually 10-20 pages long. Applications longer than 20 pages will not be accepted.10. Languages
Proposals and correspondence are accepted in Arabic, English, or French. The research itself can be undertaken and published in Arabic, English, French, or Turkish.Deadlines
There are two rounds of the competition each year. Completed research proposals are due in the MERC office in Beirut no later than:* 31 March
* 30 September
Prospective applicants may send preliminary concept papers or letters outlining their research ideas at any time during the year, preferably well in advance of the final proposal deadline.
Correspondence (Where to Apply)
All
correspondence and proposals should be addressed to: