Deadline: 18 June 2025
The Council for British Research in the Levant, in partnership with The Royal Institute for Inter-Faith Studies (RIIFS), invites applications for a two-year training and mentorship programme to support publication in international journals, funded by the British Academy’s International Writing Workshops Programme.
This initiative responds to the growing demand for academic publishing support among early career researchers (ECRs) in Jordan. It aims to address common challenges faced when navigating international peer-reviewed journals, including access to editorial guidance, writing development, and publication pathways.
Designed for those working in the humanities and social sciences and related disciplines, the programme will equip 12 participants with the skills, mentorship, and experience required to publish in international peer-reviewed journals.
Participants will engage in a dynamic programme of expert-led workshops, one-on-one mentorship, and peer feedback sessions. Participants will work on developing their research papers with feedback from mentors, culminating in submission to CBRL’s journals: Levant and Contemporary Levant.
Objectives
- To equip early career researchers in Jordan with the tools to elevate their research and writing skills to meet international publication standards.
- To emphasise practical skills in adapting research for diverse audiences, focusing on policy engagement.
- To foster a professional network linking Jordanian early career researchers with CBRL journals editors and academic mentors to build long-term support for collaborations, publication and fundraising success.
Programme Format
- The programme combines in-person and online activities over two years, including:
- Two in-person workshop at CBRL in Amman (25-27 August 2025 and September 2026)
- One online workshop (March 2026)
- Up to five one-to-one mentoring sessions to develop and finalise research papers (September 2025 – June 2026)
- The working language of the programme is English.
Expected Outcomes
- Stronger academic writing through targeted workshops and mentorship on structure, clarity, argumentation, and journal guidelines.
- Structured manuscript development with ongoing feedback from mentors and peers, leading to a final draft ready for submission to either Levant or Contemporary Levant
- Expanded professional networks, connecting participants with UK-based scholars, journal editors, and potential collaborators.
- Introductory skills in grant writing, equipping participants to begin seeking research funding opportunities.
Eligibility Criteria
- They define Early Career Researchers (ECRs) broadly, in recognition of the variability in academic pathways.
- Eligible applicants include:
- Post-doctoral researchers and academics within five years of completing their PhD.
- Individuals currently in their final year of PhD studies.
- Pre-doctoral researchers in research-focused roles, who can demonstrate equivalent research experience and who are expected to publish to international standards.
- Applicants must:
- Be based in Jordan and affiliated with a local academic, research, or heritage institution. While institutional affiliation is preferred, independent researchers are also encouraged to apply.
- Work in the social science, humanities or related disciplines.
- Have an extended abstract ready for development based on original, high-quality research (this is a core requirement for participation).
- Demonstrate proficiency in English, particularly academic reading and writing, as all the programme components will be conducted in English.
- Show a clear commitment to international academic publishing and be willing to revise and develop their work for submission.
- Confirm that the application is based on original research conducted and that you have the right to publish it as sole author.
Application Requirements
- The application form will request personal and contact details, current academic or research employment status, your discipline, and level of English proficiency. You will also be asked to provide:
- A short Statement of Interest (maximum 300 words) outlining your research focus, motivation for applying, and publication goals.
- An Extended Abstract (500-750 words) of the research paper you intend to develop during the programme.
- Finally, you will be asked to confirm your eligibility and commitment to fully participate in the two-year programme.
- Please send your CV and optional letter of institutional support to the email.
For more information, visit CBRL.