Deadline: 01-Jun-2026
The King Faisal Center for Research and Islamic Studies (KFCRIS) is inviting applications for the 2026 Early Scholars Publication Grants under its UNESCO Chair in Translating Cultures.
Two grants of USD 1,000 each are available for scholars who completed a PhD between 2020 and 2025, supporting publication of dissertations aligned with the themes Modern Arab Thought in Translation or Translating Youth Culture/s. Deadline: June 1, 2026 (11:59 PM GMT+3).
About the Program
The King Faisal Center for Research and Islamic Studies (KFCRIS), through its UNESCO Chair in Translating Cultures and with support from the Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission, has launched the 2026 Early Scholars Publication Grants.
The program supports early-career scholars in publishing outstanding PhD dissertations that treat translation as a critical, cultural, and theoretical practice centered on Arab intellectual traditions and youth agency.
Number of grants: 2
Grant amount: USD 1,000 each
Additional benefit: Editorial support for publication
2026 Thematic Focus Areas
Applicants must align their dissertation with one of the following themes.
1. Modern Arab Thought in Translation
This theme treats modern Arab thought as an original field of philosophical production rather than a derivative response to European philosophy.
Key research expectations:
-
Sustained engagement with Arabic-language sources
-
Translation treated as an analytical and theoretical category
-
Examination of conceptual negotiation within Arab intellectual traditions
-
Analysis of reason, critique, ethics, language, and modernity
Eligible dissertations may explore:
-
Critiques of reason
-
Re-evaluations of Arab intellectual heritage
-
Reflections on subjectivity and ethics
-
Intra-Arab and South–South intellectual exchanges
-
Challenges to Eurocentric philosophical canons
Projects must demonstrate that Arab philosophy generates theory, not merely commentary.
2. Translating Youth Culture/s
This theme centers youth as active cultural agents navigating linguistic and cultural boundaries.
Research may examine:
-
Code-switching between Modern Standard Arabic, dialects, Arabizi, and global languages
-
Translation of youth-oriented media and subcultures
-
Social media vernaculars
-
Fashion, music, memes
-
Young Adult literature, manga, and light novels
Supported projects should analyze how translation influences:
-
Identity formation
-
Peer culture dynamics
-
Aesthetic norms
-
Local adaptation of transnational media
Translation must be treated as both cultural practice and analytical framework.
What the Grant Provides
Each selected scholar receives:
-
USD 1,000 publication grant
-
Editorial support for publishing:
-
Full dissertation
OR -
Revised chapter converted into a publishable article
-
The goal is to support high-quality academic publication aligned with KFCRIS standards.
Who Is Eligible?
Applicants must meet all criteria below.
Academic Qualification
-
PhD awarded between 2020 and 2025
-
Degree from a recognized research institution
Discipline Requirements
Relevant fields include:
-
Arabic language and culture
-
Translation studies
-
Comparative literature
-
Philosophy
-
Anthropology
-
Middle Eastern studies
-
Folklore
-
Cultural sociology
Dissertation Requirements
-
Written in English
-
Aligned with one of the 2026 themes
-
Demonstrates strong scholarly merit
Applicants who do not meet all criteria are not eligible.
Application Requirements
Applications must be submitted in English and include:
-
Abstract and complete dissertation chapter
-
Curriculum Vitae (CV)
-
Statement of purpose explaining:
-
Relevance for publication
-
Alignment with 2026 theme
-
-
Two letters of recommendation
Submission method: Email
Deadline: Thursday, June 1, 2026
Time: 11:59 PM Riyadh time (GMT+3)
Late or incomplete applications may not be considered.
Selection Process
Applications are evaluated through a double-blind review process.
Assessment criteria include:
-
Eligibility compliance
-
Academic merit
-
Originality and contribution
-
Alignment with thematic focus
-
Publication readiness
Notification of results: Mid-August 2026
Final dissertation submission deadline for publication: November 1, 2026
What Makes a Strong Application?
Successful proposals typically:
-
Treat translation as a theoretical and analytical category
-
Engage deeply with Arabic-language sources (for Modern Arab Thought theme)
-
Demonstrate conceptual rigor and originality
-
Show publication potential
-
Clearly articulate thematic alignment in the statement of purpose
Common Mistakes to Avoid
-
Submitting a dissertation outside the 2026 themes
-
Failing to demonstrate sustained engagement with Arabic sources (where required)
-
Providing incomplete recommendation letters
-
Missing the June 1, 2026 deadline
-
Submitting materials not written in English
Carefully review all eligibility and formatting requirements.
Why This Grant Matters
Promotes Arab Intellectual Traditions
Encourages scholarship that centers Arab philosophical and cultural production.
Advances Translation Studies
Treats translation as a theoretical framework, not merely linguistic transfer.
Supports Early-Career Scholars
Provides funding and editorial guidance during the critical post-PhD publication phase.
Challenges Eurocentric Frameworks
Promotes South–South intellectual exchange and alternative knowledge production models.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How many grants are available?
Two publication grants of USD 1,000 each.
Who can apply?
Scholars who earned a PhD between 2020 and 2025 in relevant fields and whose dissertation aligns with one of the 2026 themes.
What language must the dissertation be written in?
English.
What are the 2026 themes?
Modern Arab Thought in Translation and Translating Youth Culture/s.
How are applications evaluated?
Through a double-blind review process assessing eligibility, academic merit, and publication standards.
When will results be announced?
By mid-August 2026.
When must selected scholars submit the dissertation for publication?
By November 1, 2026.
Conclusion
The KFCRIS Early Scholars Publication Grants 2026 provide targeted financial and editorial support for outstanding PhD dissertations that advance translation as a critical cultural and theoretical practice.
By centering Arab intellectual traditions and youth cultural agency, the program fosters innovative scholarship that reshapes global academic conversations.
Eligible early-career scholars should prepare a complete and thematically aligned application before June 1, 2026 to compete for this publication opportunity.
For more information, visit KFCRIS.
