The GINGKO Research Grant Program provides up to £3,000 for academic research, conferences, or symposiums on the history, art history, or religions of the MENA region. Priority is given to MENA-based researchers, those with MENA heritage, collaborative projects with Western scholars, and projects in underfunded regions. Grants cover direct research and event costs, with projects expected to be completed within two years.

GINGKO Research Grant Program

The GINGKO Foundation invites applications for its Research Grant Program, designed to support professional academic research, conferences, or symposiums within its core academic focus areas: the history, art history, and religions of the MENA (Middle East and North Africa) region. The program emphasizes collaboration, MENA-based scholarship, and projects in regions with limited research funding.

Program Objectives

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

• Encourage collaborative projects between MENA and Western researchers

• Support researchers with MENA heritage or those returning to MENA academic institutions

• Fund projects in under-resourced regions to advance knowledge and scholarly output

Who Is Eligible?

Applicants

• Professional academic researchers worldwide

• Must hold a PhD or equivalent qualification

• Must work for or have an official connection with a higher education institution, or demonstrate professional research status

Preferred Projects

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

• Projects led by researchers in MENA or with MENA heritage

• Initiatives in regions with limited research funding

Funding Details

• Grant amount: Up to £3,000 per award (up to three awards per year)

• Eligible costs:

  • Academic research and fieldwork

  • Travel for research or conferences

  • Conference or symposium organization

  • Equipment purchases for research

  • Article-processing fees for publications

  • Short-term research assistant wages

• Ineligible costs:

  • Applicant salaries

  • Teaching replacements

  • Living costs

  • Institutional overheads

Project Requirements

• Expected completion: within two years

• Clearly defined project outcomes, preferably including:

  • Peer-reviewed publications

  • Book chapters or contributions

  • Conference presentations

• Grant holders must acknowledge GINGKO support in all outputs

• Submit a project report (750–1000 words) within two months of completion, including outcomes, final accounts, and photographs where possible

How to Apply

Step 1: Prepare Proposal

• Include project description, objectives, methodology, and schedule

• Attach a detailed budget, specifying expenses to be covered by the grant and any additional funding sources

• Include a financial need statement demonstrating that the project cannot proceed without this funding

Step 2: Obtain References

• Two letters of recommendation from academics familiar with your work

• Letters must be submitted via official academic email accounts by midnight UK time, 6 April

Step 3: Submit Application

• Compile proposal, budget, and supporting documents as per GINGKO guidelines

• Submit through the official application portal

Evaluation Criteria

• Academic quality and feasibility of the project

• Relevance to GINGKO’s subject areas

• Applicant qualifications and professional experience

• Clarity and structure of the proposal

• Budget realism and justification

• Strength of reference letters

Tips for Applicants

• Highlight collaboration with MENA and Western researchers when applicable

• Clearly justify financial need and project significance

• Ensure outcomes are well-defined and measurable

• Align project scope with the two-year completion expectation

• Prepare referees well in advance to meet the submission deadline

FAQ

1. Who can apply for the GINGKO Research Grant?

Professional academic researchers with a PhD or equivalent, affiliated with a higher education institution or demonstrating professional research status.

2. Are collaborative projects encouraged?

Yes, particularly collaborations between MENA-based researchers and scholars from the West.

3. What costs are covered by the grant?

Direct research costs, fieldwork, conferences, equipment, travel, article-processing fees, and short-term research assistant wages.

4. Are salaries or living costs eligible?

No, salaries, teaching replacements, and living costs are not covered.

5. What is the application deadline?

Letters of recommendation must be submitted by midnight UK time on 6 April.

6. How long do projects have to be completed?

Projects are expected to be completed within two years of grant approval.

7. What reporting is required?

A project report of 750–1000 words must be submitted within two months of completion, including outcomes, accounts, and photographs where available.

Conclusion

The GINGKO Research Grant Program offers an important funding opportunity for academic projects focused on the history, art history, and religions of the MENA region. By supporting MENA-based scholars, collaborative research, and underfunded projects, the program strengthens global academic networks and facilitates high-quality research outputs that advance knowledge and scholarship.