Small Grants Program Cycle 11 – Constantine Zurayk: Nation, Identity, and History

Deadline: 01-Nov-2026

The Arab Council for the Social Sciences (ACSS) Small Grants Program Cycle 11 provides research funding of up to USD 3,000 to early-career researchers and advanced PhD students studying the Arab region. The programme supports five- to six-month research projects connected to the intellectual legacy of Constantine Zurayk, particularly around nation, identity, and history.

About the Small Grants Program

The Small Grants Program Cycle 11 is designed to support emerging scholars conducting innovative research in the social sciences and humanities. This cycle focuses on the intellectual contributions of Dr. Constantine Zurayk, whose work examined Arab history, Arab nationalism, historical consciousness, identity, and the writing and interpretation of history. Projects may directly engage with the Constantine Zurayk Archive at the American University of Beirut or explore broader questions of nation, identity, and history when there is a clear connection to Zurayk’s scholarship. Research Themes and Eligible Disciplines Applicants can propose disciplinary or interdisciplinary research related to the Arab region. Other related social sciences and humanities disciplines Research proposals should demonstrate a meaningful intellectual connection to Constantine Zurayk’s work and address questions relevant to the programme’s themes. What the Grant Supports Selected researchers can receive up to USD 3,000 for a research project lasting five to six months. Depending on the approved budget, grant funds may support: Other eligible research expenses permitted under ACSS budget guidelines The programme expects to select approximately two to three grantees in Cycle 11. Who Is Eligible? The programme is intended for early-career researchers and advanced PhD students working in the social sciences or humanities.

Eligible applicants include:

Citizens of Arab League countries. Refugees or stateless individuals from Arab countries who are residing in the region. Individuals of Arab origin living outside the Arab region. Scholars who completed their PhD within the previous three years. PhD students who have reached the dissertation-writing stage. Applicants must demonstrate an appropriate academic background and provide evidence of their academic status. Key Eligibility Requirements Applicants should ensure that they meet the programme’s career-stage and regional eligibility requirements before preparing their proposal. The research must also have a clear connection to at least one of the programme’s central intellectual areas: Nation Identity History Constantine Zurayk’s scholarship The Constantine Zurayk Archive and related materials A proposal does not necessarily have to use the Constantine Zurayk Archive. However, projects addressing broader questions of nation, identity, or history should clearly explain how they engage with Zurayk’s intellectual legacy. Why This Research Grant Matters The programme provides an opportunity for emerging scholars to develop independent research on major questions affecting the Arab region.

Its significance includes:

Supporting early-career researchers in the social sciences and humanities. Encouraging new interpretations of Arab history and identity. Connecting contemporary scholarship with Constantine Zurayk’s intellectual legacy. Supporting archival and field-based research. Encouraging interdisciplinary approaches to Arab studies. Helping young scholars develop research experience and academic outputs. The grant is particularly relevant for researchers investigating how national identity, historical memory, Arab nationalism, and interpretations of history have developed and continue to shape societies in the Arab region. How the Small Grants Program Works The application process requires applicants to develop a focused research proposal and demonstrate their academic eligibility.

Step 1: Develop a Research Idea

Identify a research question related to:

Nation Identity History Arab nationalism Historical writing Historical memory Contemporary interpretations of Zurayk’s work Explain clearly how the proposed research relates to Constantine Zurayk’s scholarship. Applicants using the Constantine Zurayk Archive should explain which archival materials are relevant and how they will contribute to the research.

Step 3: Prepare the Required Documents

Applicants should submit the required application materials, including: Detailed research plan. Curriculum vitae. Cover letter. Proof of nationality or Arab origin. Evidence of academic status. PhD students should provide evidence demonstrating that they have reached the dissertation-writing stage.

Step 4: Prepare the Budget

The proposed budget should remain within the USD 3,000 maximum grant amount. Clearly explain how each expense contributes to the research. Eligible expenses may include fieldwork, equipment, consultations, research assistance, and researcher stipends, subject to the programme’s budget rules.

Step 5: Submit the Application

Complete the application using the programme’s required application process and submit all requested documents before the stated deadline. Incomplete applications may not be considered, so applicants should verify that all eligibility documents and proposal materials are included. Tips for a Strong Application A competitive proposal should establish a direct connection between the research question and the programme’s intellectual focus.

Consider the following tips:

Make the Zurayk connection explicit: Do not assume reviewers will infer the relevance.

Use a focused research question: A small grant is better suited to a clearly defined project than an overly broad study.

Explain the methodology: Describe exactly how evidence will be collected and analyzed.

Show feasibility: Demonstrate that the research can realistically be completed within five to six months.

Keep the budget realistic: Link every major expense to a specific research activity.

Highlight originality: Explain what