The GINGKO Werner Mark Linz Memorial Grant Program offers up to £10,000 for academic research, conferences, or symposiums focused on the history, art history, or religions of the MENA region. Priority is given to collaborative projects between MENA and Western researchers, initiatives in underfunded regions, and projects led by researchers with MENA heritage. Grants cover research-related expenses, with projects expected to be completed within four years.

GINGKO Werner Mark Linz Memorial Grant Program

The GINGKO Foundation invites applications for its Werner Mark Linz Memorial Grant, designed to support academic research and events on the history, art history, or religions of the MENA (Middle East and North Africa) region. This program emphasizes collaborative initiatives, cross-cultural engagement, and projects in regions with limited research funding.

Program Objectives

The grant program aims to:

• Promote high-quality academic research in GINGKO’s subject areas

• Encourage collaboration between researchers from MENA regions and the West

• Support projects led by researchers of MENA heritage, including those returning to academia in the region

• Facilitate research and events in underfunded regions or countries

Who Is Eligible?

Applicants

• Professional academic researchers worldwide

• Must hold a PhD or equivalent qualification; for collaborative projects, at least one applicant must meet this requirement

Preferred Projects

• Collaborative research, conferences, or symposiums involving MENA and Western researchers

• Projects based in underfunded regions

• Initiatives led by researchers with MENA heritage

Funding Details

• Grant amount: Up to £10,000

• Eligible costs:

  • Fieldwork

  • Research materials and costs

  • Travel expenses

  • Equipment purchases

  • Conference or symposium expenses

  • Article-processing fees for publications

  • Short-term wage costs for research assistants

• Ineligible costs:

  • Salaries for applicants

  • Teaching replacement costs

  • Living costs

  • Institutional overheads

Project Requirements

• Expected completion: within four years

• All outputs must acknowledge GINGKO support

• Recipients encouraged to submit published books to GINGKO if relevant

How to Apply

Step 1: Prepare Proposal

• Include project description, methodology, expected outcomes, and timeline

• Attach complete budget with total costs, funding requested from GINGKO, and other sources

• Provide a financial need statement explaining why GINGKO funding is essential

Step 2: Obtain References

• Two letters of recommendation from academic referees are required

• Ensure referees submit letters by the annual deadline: 6 April

Step 3: Submission

• Submit proposal and supporting documents via the official application portal

• Applications are anonymized during assessment

Evaluation Criteria

• Academic quality and feasibility of the project

• Appropriateness of budget and cost structure

• Qualifications of applicants

• Strength and relevance of referee recommendations

Reporting Requirements

• Submit a project report within two months of completion

• Include achievements, outcomes, financial accounts, and photographs if available

Tips for Applicants

• Emphasize cross-regional collaboration where applicable

• Clearly demonstrate financial need

• Ensure budget is realistic and detailed

• Align project outcomes with GINGKO’s focus areas

• Plan for timely completion within four years

FAQ

1. Who can apply for the grant?

Professional academic researchers with a PhD or equivalent qualification, worldwide.

2. Are collaborative projects encouraged?

Yes, particularly those involving researchers from both MENA and Western institutions.

3. What costs are covered by the grant?

Fieldwork, research materials, travel, equipment, conference expenses, and short-term research assistant wages.

4. Can this funding be used for salaries or living costs?

No, applicant salaries, teaching replacements, and personal living expenses are not eligible.

5. What is the application deadline?

6 April annually.

6. How are applications evaluated?

Based on project quality, feasibility, applicant qualifications, cost structure, and referee recommendations.

7. Are projects limited to a specific timeframe?

Yes, all projects must be completed within four years.

Conclusion

The GINGKO Werner Mark Linz Memorial Grant Program provides a significant opportunity to advance research in the history, art history, and religions of the MENA region. By funding collaborative, under-resourced, and heritage-focused projects, GINGKO fosters international scholarship, strengthens academic networks, and supports impactful research outcomes.