MERIP-CAIS Writing Workshop

CALL FOR ABSTRACTS: MERIP-CAIS Workshop at Villanova University, April 28, 2025

The Middle East Research and Information Project (MERIP) and the Center for Arab and Islamic Studies at Villanova University (CAIS) request abstracts for participation in a special workshop for students, researchers, journalists, and activists who are interested in writing for MERIP. MERIP serves a wider audience than academia, and specializes in conveying critical insights about political, social and cultural life in the Middle East that are often marginalized in mainstream media or conventional scholarship. Participants will receive focused, small-group feedback on their abstracts from MERIP staff and Editorial Committee members (including James Ryan, MERIP Executive Director; Marya Hannun, MERIP Managing Editor; Sean Yom, MERIP Editorial Committee member and professor of Political Science at Temple University; and more) and also attend large-group presentations and workshops on MERIP style, as well as the publishing ecosystem. The workshop will also feature a keynote lecture from Arang Keshavarzian, Professor of Near Eastern Studies at New York University. 

This MERIP-CAIS workshop is a great opportunity for those conducting regional research to develop their ideas and learn how to appeal to a larger audience. We welcome applications from graduate students and researchers at any rank, as well as independent and unaffiliated scholars, journalists, and activists. 

Applications will open February 14, 2025 and close March 14, 2025. Participants will be notified of their acceptance by April 1, and must submit their final abstracts by April 14 to ensure participation in the workshop two weeks later.

Although we are unable to provide financial support for attendees, breakfast and lunch will be provided.

TO APPLY: CLICK HERE

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