Qatar National Library (QNL) is pleased to announce the second 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
The fellowship is open to:
- Qatari citizens.
- Expatriate residents based in Doha. (Non-residents must be physically present for the fellowship period).
- 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 2025
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
- Submit a research paper (minimum 6,000 words) within three months of completing the fellowship.
- Provide details of an external reviewer by the fourth month.
- Commit 20-25 hours per week to the project.
- Be proficient in Arabic or English.
- Participate in open discussions and scheduled sessions with QNL staff.
- Deliver a public presentation on research findings.
- Attend monthly progress meetings.
- Acknowledge QNL in any resulting publications.
- Grant QNL the first right to publish or adapt research materials.
- Submit feedback on the fellowship experience within one month of completion.
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 31 May 2025
- Announcement of Fellows: 15 July 2025
- Fellowship Start Date: 1 September 2025
Application Guidelines
Applicants must submit the following:
- Project title.
- Curriculum vitae (max. 5 pages).
- Project proposal (max. 2,000 words).
- Research timeline, including a list of QNL archival/heritage materials to be consulted.
- Two letters of recommendation, addressed to the QNL Fellowship Review Committee.
- 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.
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 June and July 2025.
- 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.
Application form will be published here soon.
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