Qatar National Library (QNL) is pleased to announce the third round of its fellowship, and invites applicants to this six-month residential research program focused on historical materials related to Qatar. The fellowship provides an opportunity for scholars to explore and document the rich history of the country using QNL’s extensive collections.
Eligibility
- Be a Qatari citizen or an expatriate resident based in Doha, and be physically present in Qatar throughout the assigned fellowship cycle/term
- Hold a valid Qatar Residence Permit throughout the fellowship cycle
- Previous applicants who were not selected may reapply.
Fellowship Details
- Duration: Six months.
- Stipend: QAR 6,000 per month.
- Fellows must obtain necessary permissions for the use of copyrighted materials or third-party content.
Research Themes for 2026
Applicants must submit proposals aligned with the following themes, focusing on the period between the 18th century and the 1980s:
1. Social History
- Family and kinship
- Demography
- Work and labor force
- Material culture and consumption
- Social structures
- Cultural and religious practices
2. Economic History
- Maritime trade & commerce
- Economic systems
- Industrialization and technological change
- Public finance
- Economic crises
3. Natural Resources Management
- Herding and grazing practices
- Cultivation and irrigation methods
- Traditional ecological knowledge
- Water, land and soil management
- Marine resource harvesting
Support from QNL
Fellows will receive:
- A dedicated research space and internet access
- Access to QNL’s Heritage Library collection (as per guidelines)
- Guidance from QNL staff on relevant resources
Fellowship Requirements
- Commit 20 hours per week to the project through in-person attendance at QNL
- Demonstrate proficiency in Arabic or English
- Submit a research paper of at least 6,000 words within one month of completing the fellowship cycle/term
- Deliver a public presentation on the research findings, hosted or arranged by QNL
- Attend monthly progress meetings with QNL representatives
- Acknowledge QNL in any publications resulting from the final research, and grant the Library the first right to publish or adapt the final research materials
- Complete and submit a feedback form on the fellowship experience within one month of completion
- Participate in promotional activities, including media interviews and social media features, to highlight research progress and the program’s impact
Required Documents
Applicants must submit the following documents as part of their application:
- Completed and signed application form, including project title
- Curriculum vitae in Arabic or English, not exceeding five pages
- Project proposal, not exceeding 2,000 words
- Research timeline, including the QNL archival or heritage materials to be consulted, comprising:
- A detailed research timeline outlining the project phases and expected milestones throughout the fellowship period
- A list of proposed QNL resources, specifying the archival materials, heritage collections, or special initiatives to be consulted
- Two letters of recommendation addressed to the QNL Fellowship Team
- Supporting documents, such as publications or portfolios, if applicable
Late or incomplete applications will not be considered. Applicants should request recommendation letters well in advance. All supporting documents must be submitted in digital format; original or certified copies must be presented upon selection.
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 30 July 2026
- Announcement of Fellows: by 1 September 2026
- Fellowship Start Date: 1 October 2026
Selection Criteria
Applicants will be evaluated based on:
- Originality and relevance of the proposed research
- Proven research achievements and supporting references
- Effective use of QNL’s collections and alignment with Qatar’s historical landscape
- Feasibility of completing the project within six months
Award Timeline
- Fellows will be selected between July and August 2026.
- A project report is required within 6-8 months of the fellowship start date.
- Copies of any publications resulting from the research must be submitted to QNL.
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