Apply for the ASMEA Travel Grant Program 2026–2027. Grants of $500–$750 help Ph.D. students, postdoctoral researchers, and junior faculty present research at the ASMEA Annual Conference in Washington, D.C.
Association for the Study of the Middle East and Africa (ASMEA) offers the Travel Grant Program to support emerging scholars who wish to present original research at the ASMEA Annual Conference. The program provides financial assistance to help cover travel and conference-related expenses, enabling researchers to share their work with an international academic community.
Although the 2026 application cycle has closed, eligible applicants can prepare for future funding rounds by understanding the program requirements and application process.
About ASMEA
The Association for the Study of the Middle East and Africa (ASMEA) is an academic organization dedicated to advancing research and scholarship on the Middle East and Africa. Through conferences, publications, and professional development opportunities, ASMEA promotes interdisciplinary dialogue among scholars from around the world.
The Annual ASMEA Conference, held in Washington, D.C., provides a platform for researchers to present new findings, exchange ideas, and build professional networks.
Purpose of the Travel Grant Program
The Travel Grant Program aims to:
- Support emerging scholars presenting original research.
- Encourage academic collaboration and knowledge sharing.
- Reduce financial barriers to conference participation.
- Promote high-quality scholarship on the Middle East and Africa.
- Help researchers build professional networks.
Grant Value
Successful applicants receive grants ranging from:
- $500 to $750
Funding may be used to cover eligible conference-related expenses.
Eligible Expenses
Grant funds may be used for:
- Hotel accommodation
- Conference registration fees
- Transportation
- Travel expenses
- Other approved conference-related costs
The grant does not cover ASMEA membership fees, and applicants must already be current members of the association.
Who Can Apply?
Applicants must:
- Be a current ASMEA member.
- Be actively studying the Middle East or Africa.
- Meet one of the following academic requirements:
- Be enrolled in a Ph.D. program after completing a master’s degree.
- Serve as a postdoctoral researcher.
- Hold a visiting, assistant, associate, or full professorship while teaching two or more courses each semester at an accredited institution.
- Be affiliated with any academic discipline relevant to ASMEA’s areas of study.
Research Requirements
Applicants must submit a paper proposal that:
- Presents original, unpublished research.
- Is relevant to Middle East or Africa studies.
- Will be completed before the conference paper deadline.
Projects extending beyond the specified completion period are generally not considered.
Required Application Documents
Applicants are typically required to submit:
- Completed online application
- Research paper proposal
- Proof of Ph.D. enrollment (for students)
- Expected graduation date (for student applicants)
- One letter of recommendation from an advisor, department chair, or colleague familiar with the applicant’s research
Selection Criteria
Applications are evaluated based on:
- Quality and originality of the proposed research.
- Relevance to ASMEA’s academic focus.
- Applicant qualifications.
- Overall strength of the proposal.
Preference is generally given to:
- First-time applicants.
- Junior scholars.
- Early-career researchers.
However, all eligible applications are assessed on their individual merits.
Additional Information
Applicants should note that:
- Only one ASMEA grant may be awarded to an individual during the funding year.
- Grant applicants are automatically considered for the conference’s Call for Papers, so no separate paper submission is required.
- Applications are accepted only through the official ASMEA online submission portal.
Application Deadline
The 2026 application deadline was 1 May 2026, and that funding round is now closed.
Researchers interested in future competitions should monitor upcoming ASMEA announcements for the next application cycle.
Benefits of the Program
Recipients benefit from:
- Financial support for conference attendance.
- Opportunities to present research internationally.
- Professional networking with leading scholars.
- Increased academic visibility.
- Career development and collaboration opportunities.
How to Apply
When the next application round opens, applicants should:
- Become or maintain current ASMEA membership.
- Prepare an original research paper proposal.
- Gather all required supporting documents.
- Submit the application through the ASMEA online portal before the published deadline.
- Await notification of the funding decision.
Conclusion
The ASMEA Travel Grant Program is an excellent opportunity for Ph.D. students, postdoctoral researchers, and junior faculty working on Middle East and Africa studies. By providing travel support for conference participation, the program helps emerging scholars present their research, expand professional networks, and contribute to important academic discussions. Prospective applicants should prepare their research proposals early and watch for future funding announcements.
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