CFP: CNES Interdisciplinary Graduate Student Working Group Program

The UCLA Center for Near Eastern Studies is inviting proposals from UCLA graduate students to establish and lead a graduate student working group during the 2026-27 academic year. The group needs to include graduate students from different UCLA departments, and must be supported by a designated faculty member. The proposed theme(s) addressed by the group need to focus on the Middle East and North Africa from an interdisciplinary perspective.

Application deadline: September 21, 2026

APPLY HERE

Program Description

The purpose of the CNES Interdisciplinary Graduate Student Working Group Program is to bring together graduate students from across departments and disciplines at UCLA whose research and academic interests focus on the MENA region. Drawing on various disciplinary perspectives and methodological approaches, the group will provide a collaborative forum for intellectual exchange, professional development, and advanced research training. The group will operate as a semi-autonomous entity supervised by a designated faculty member, and may include discussions of works in progress, research presentations, and thematic workshops. To expand opportunities for scholarly engagement and collaboration, the working group may also host invited speakers from national and international institutions.

The Working Group should be organized by one or two graduate students supported by a faculty mentor. Together, the Group leadership will choose specific themes and discussion topics, invite membership and presentations of other graduate students from across the campus, as well as identify and invite external speakers, when appropriate. CNES also encourages the Group leadership to explore collaboration opportunities with other departments and groups at UCLA that share the focus on the MENA region.

The UCLA Center for Near Eastern Studies will provide the Working Group with a meeting space, administrative and financial support, and will help integrate the Working Group events into the Center’s annual calendar of events and associated external communications. The group organizers will be required to coordinate closely with the CNES staff on program delivery, especially on expense tracking and reconciliation.

Proposal Materials

• A two-page description (single-spaced, 12 font, Times New Roman) of the proposed working group that includes the following:

1. A proposed title

2. A proposed overarching theme of the group, including its significance for and contribution to the study of MENA

3. A description of how the group intends to address the chosen theme

4. A description of how the group will foster interdisciplinary approaches, as well as how it will address CNES’ mission

5. A list of proposed activities and events for AY 2026-27

• A proposed budget

• CV(s) of graduate student(s) who will organize the group

• A letter of support from a faculty member who will serve as the group’s supervisor

Program Funding

The Center for Near Eastern Studies will provide the funds for the group, with the total amount not exceeding $3,600 for the academic year. The proposals should budget for the specified amount, but may also include expected co-sponsorship funds from other campus units. Funds may be used for:

• Meeting costs, including food

• Travel and lodging

• Lecture fees for invited external speakers

The funds may not be used for faculty or graduate student compensation. The group must follow all UCLA university guidelines and policies.

Program Requirements

Working Group must submit an end-of-year report about conducted activities, results and/or impact, and any challenges encountered during the duration of the program. The report is due on or before July 1, 2027.

Email cnes@international.ucla.edu for any questions.