UCLA Center for Near Eastern Studies is inviting UCLA graduate students from the humanities and social sciences to submit a proposal for organizing a student conference/colloquium during the academic year 2025-26. The proposed conference/colloquium needs to meet the following criteria:
- Focus on a theme relevant to the broader Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region;
- Be organized by a committee of at least two UCLA graduate students in good standing;
- Feature graduate student presenters from UCLA and beyond;
- Take place over the course of one day.
The conference/colloquium organization grant is not a student disbursement award. No funding will be distributed directly to a student organizer. Any approved funds will be distributed by a campus unit processing expenses associated with the conference/colloquium organization.
Application requirements:
1. Curriculum vitae for each member of the conference/colloquium organizing committee, including any previous experience in conference/event organization (combined into a single PDF document);
2. Three letters of support by faculty, detailing why a student conference/colloquium on a proposed topic would be beneficial to the study of MENA on UCLA campus and beyond, as well as for graduate students’ professional development;
3. Conference/colloquium proposal (up to 2 pages, double-spaced) that addresses the following:
o The justification for organizing a conference/colloquium;
o The aims and objectives for the event;
o Current status of research on proposed theme/topic and how the event will fill existing gaps;
o The event’s potential contribution to MENA studies;
o The event format (number of potential panels, in-person, online or hybrid)
4. Conference/colloquium itemized budget.
Approved funds should be used for covering event organization expenses, including campus space reservation fees, travel and accommodation expenses, and catering. Conference attendance support should be offered only to those participants who would not otherwise be able to attend.
Application materials are due on December 10, 2025. Applicants will be notified about award decisions by December 20, 2025.
Access the application form HERE.
Please write to cnes@international.ucla.edu with any questions.