The Center for Middle Eastern Studies offers travel grants to defray the cost of airfare for individuals presenting papers at academic conferences relating to the Middle East. It also supports research on contemporary Middle East topics and related projects involving language curriculum development or the study of modern Middle Eastern languages.

Travel grants are available for up to $500 for conferences in the U.S. and up to $1,000 for conferences abroad. Most grants are below this level. Please note that this funding applies to airfare only, and all grants will be paid as a reimbursement upon completion of travel.

Research-related grants are available up to $1,000.

Eligibility

U.C. Berkeley faculty, lecturers, language instructors, and graduate students are eligible to apply.

Application Deadline

The application deadline is Monday, October 1, 2012, by 5:00 PM. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.

To apply:

Complete travel grant applications must include a cover letter, abstract of the accepted paper, letter of acceptance and/or conference program in which the paper appears, and a complete budget for the trip. Please indicate clearly the amount that you are requesting (airfare only), and include an airfare price quote from a travel agent or website. Be certain to include your name, U.C. Berkeley Identification number, e-mail address, phone number, and department affiliation in your cover letter.

Complete research grant applications must include a short statement (1-2 pages) describing the project; a complete project budget indicating the total amount of funding requested; information on other funding sources; and a letter of recommendation (graduate students only). Be certain to include your name, U.C. Berkeley Identification number, e-mail address, phone number, and department affiliation in your statement.