Deadline: 31-Jul-2026
The H-Gaza Virtual Research Collaboration Hub is a 9-month international research support programme designed for Palestinian researchers in or from Gaza. The initiative provides research capacity funding of up to EUR 7,000 per researcher, along with mentoring, professional training, networking opportunities, and international research collaboration to help scholars continue their academic work despite the ongoing crisis.
About the H-Gaza Virtual Research Collaboration Hub
The H-Gaza Virtual Research Collaboration Hub is a pilot programme created to strengthen research capacity and maintain international academic collaboration for Palestinian researchers affected by the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
The programme provides a structured virtual environment where researchers can continue their academic work, develop professional skills, establish international partnerships, and expand their research networks. It aims to support researchers whose academic activities have been disrupted while helping them remain connected to the global research community.
The programme plans to support up to 75 researchers through a combination of funding, mentoring, training, and collaborative opportunities.
Programme Duration
The programme will run for 9 months.
- Programme Start: September 2026
- Programme End: May 2027
During this period, participants will engage in mentoring, research activities, professional development, and international collaboration.
Research Capacity Support
Each selected participant may receive:
- Research capacity support of up to EUR 7,000
- Individual mentoring
- Career development guidance
- Professional skills training
- International networking opportunities
- Research collaboration support
- Access to discipline-specific discussion groups
- Opportunities to develop new international research partnerships
The financial support is intended to help researchers continue ongoing projects and develop new collaborative research initiatives.
Priority Research Areas
The programme welcomes applications from all academic disciplines while giving particular consideration to research aligned with priority themes.
Priority research areas include:
- Digital technologies
- Innovation systems
- Infrastructure development
- Energy systems
- Urban development
- Health systems
- Environmental sustainability
- Climate resilience
- Education
- Culture
- Social development
- Economic systems
- Governance
- Employment
- Public policy
- Sustainable development
Researchers from other academic disciplines are also encouraged to apply.
Programme Benefits
Participants will receive comprehensive academic and professional support, including:
- Research mentoring
- Career guidance
- Research capacity development
- Transferable skills training
- International networking
- Collaborative research opportunities
- Discipline-specific discussion groups
- Professional development workshops
- Access to international academic networks
- Support for developing research partnerships
These activities are designed to strengthen research careers while promoting international collaboration.
Programme Objectives
The H-Gaza Virtual Research Collaboration Hub aims to:
- Strengthen research capacity.
- Support Palestinian researchers.
- Promote international academic collaboration.
- Maintain research continuity during times of crisis.
- Build long-term research partnerships.
- Develop professional research skills.
- Expand international research networks.
- Encourage interdisciplinary collaboration.
- Support academic resilience.
- Enhance career development opportunities.
Why This Programme Matters
The ongoing crisis in Gaza has significantly disrupted higher education and research activities.
This programme helps to:
- Maintain academic engagement.
- Support displaced researchers.
- Strengthen global research collaboration.
- Protect research careers.
- Encourage knowledge exchange.
- Build international partnerships.
- Promote scientific innovation.
- Support long-term academic resilience.
By providing funding and mentorship, the initiative enables researchers to continue contributing to knowledge creation despite challenging circumstances.
Who Is Eligible?
Applicants must meet all of the following eligibility requirements.
Eligible applicants include:
- Ph.D. candidates
- Doctoral researchers
- Postdoctoral researchers
- Experienced researchers
Applicants must also:
- Be currently located in Gaza, or
- Have been displaced outside Gaza after 7 October 2023
- Be affiliated with a university in Gaza
- Be able to participate throughout the 9-month programme
Eligible Research Disciplines
Applications are welcomed from researchers across all academic fields, including:
- Engineering
- Computer science
- Health sciences
- Medicine
- Environmental sciences
- Social sciences
- Economics
- Education
- Humanities
- Public policy
- Governance
- Energy studies
- Urban planning
- Cultural studies
- Natural sciences
- Interdisciplinary research
Although all disciplines are eligible, projects aligned with the programme’s priority themes may receive additional consideration.
How the Programme Works
Selected researchers will participate in a structured virtual programme that includes:
- Joining the H-Gaza Virtual Research Collaboration Hub.
- Receiving individual mentoring and career guidance.
- Participating in discipline-specific discussion groups.
- Attending professional development and transferable skills training.
- Building international research collaborations.
- Using research capacity funding to support ongoing research activities.
- Developing new research partnerships and collaborative projects.
- Completing programme activities throughout the nine-month period.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should follow these steps:
- Confirm that you meet all eligibility requirements.
- Prepare the required supporting documents.
- Complete the online application form.
- Upload all requested documentation.
- Submit the application before the deadline.
- If internet connectivity is unavailable, use the alternative submission arrangements provided by the programme organizers.
Application Deadline
- Application Deadline: 31 July 2026
- Time: 23:59 Palestine Time
Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications well before the deadline to avoid technical issues.
Tips for a Strong Application
To improve your chances of selection:
- Clearly explain your research background.
- Demonstrate the impact of your research.
- Highlight how international collaboration will strengthen your work.
- Align your proposal with the programme’s priority themes where appropriate.
- Submit complete and accurate documentation.
- Clearly describe your future research plans.
- Explain how the funding will support your research activities.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these common application errors:
- Missing the application deadline.
- Uploading incomplete supporting documents.
- Providing unclear research objectives.
- Failing to demonstrate university affiliation.
- Omitting evidence of eligibility.
- Submitting incomplete application forms.
- Waiting until the final hours to submit online.
- Not using alternative submission options when experiencing connectivity issues.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the H-Gaza Virtual Research Collaboration Hub?
The H-Gaza Virtual Research Collaboration Hub is a nine-month programme that supports Palestinian researchers through mentoring, research funding, professional training, networking, and international collaboration opportunities.
How much funding is available?
Selected researchers may receive up to EUR 7,000 in research capacity support to continue research activities and develop international collaborations.
Who can apply?
Eligible applicants include Ph.D. candidates, doctoral researchers, postdoctoral researchers, and experienced researchers who are currently in Gaza or were displaced after 7 October 2023, and who are affiliated with a university in Gaza.
Which research fields are eligible?
Researchers from all academic disciplines may apply. Priority consideration is given to digital technologies, infrastructure, energy, health, environmental sustainability, education, culture, governance, economics, employment, and innovation systems.
How long does the programme last?
The programme runs for nine months, from September 2026 to May 2027.
What support do participants receive besides funding?
Participants receive mentoring, career guidance, transferable skills training, discipline-specific discussion groups, networking opportunities, and support for building international research collaborations.
When is the application deadline?
Applications must be submitted by 31 July 2026 at 23:59 Palestine Time. Alternative submission options are available for applicants experiencing internet connectivity challenges.
Conclusion
The H-Gaza Virtual Research Collaboration Hub 2026–2027 offers an important opportunity for Palestinian researchers to continue their academic work despite ongoing challenges. Through research capacity funding of up to EUR 7,000, international mentoring, professional training, and global research partnerships, the programme helps strengthen research careers, promote academic resilience, and foster meaningful international collaboration that contributes to long-term knowledge generation and sustainable development.
For more information, visit UNIMED.
