Research Fellowships

Call for Applications: Friends of Palestinian Universities Research Fellowship in Partnership with UCL Social Research Institute (SRI)

Virtual Fellowship Models for Palestinian Higher Education

The academic community in Gaza faces extraordinary challenges to sustaining teaching, research, and international collaboration, due to the systematic destruction of educational infrastructure by Israeli military forces, in the context of what the UN has declared an ongoing genocide. Despite these extreme conditions, Palestinian scholars and institutions have developed remarkable resilience and innovative strategies to sustain higher education, and called for international support to assist in sustaining these efforts.

In this context, virtual fellowship models represent an increasingly important means of fostering international academic engagement, solidarity, and capacity-building. However, existing models have not been comprehensively assessed for their relevance and adaptability to the specific needs of Palestinian faculty working in cofnditions of crisis and siege.

This Friends of Palestinian Universities Fellowship in partnership with UCL Social Research Institute will support a structured research project to identify, evaluate, and design virtual fellowship mechanisms that are responsive, equitable, and sustainable for scholars in Gaza.

Objectives

1. To critically review existing virtual fellowship models, with attention to applicability in contexts of mass displacement and extensive destruction of educational infrastructure.
2. To map Palestinian academic activities and international initiatives aimed at supporting the resilience and continuity of scholarship in Gaza.
3. To engage scholars, institutions, and organisations in structured interviews to understand experiences, needs, and opportunities.
4. To analyse barriers and opportunities for institutional engagement between UCL SRI and other departments/universities and Palestinian higher education institutions.
5. To produce a final report with key findings, actionable recommendations, and a proposed programme design for virtual fellowships tailored to Gaza.

Fellowship Activities

he Fellow will undertake the following research and engagement activities:

• Desk-based Review: Synthesis of existing literature and models of virtual fellowships, with a focus on contexts of occupation, war, displacement, or siege.
• Mapping Exercise: Documentation of current international and Palestinian-led academic initiatives that strengthen resilience and academic continuity.
• Stakeholder Interviews: Structured conversations with Palestinian scholars, international partners, NGOs, and academic bodies.
• Opportunity and Barrier Analysis: Examination of institutional, technological, political, and other factors affecting collaboration.
• Final Report: Submission of a comprehensive report with findings, recommendations, and a draft programme design for piloting virtual fellowships.

The project is expected to be completed within 2-3 months with the final report released in February 2026.

Application and Selection Process

• Eligibility: We anticipate the role will be suitable for an early career researcher but the Fellowship will be open to applications from doctoral students. The Fellowship will be most suitable for candidates with expertise in higher education, international development, conflict studies, digital learning, or related fields. 
• Application Requirements:

• CV and cover letter outlining relevant experience.
• 2-page research proposal highlighting approach to the Fellowship’s aims.
• One academic or professional reference.
• Selection Criteria:
  • Demonstrated expertise in higher education, Palestinian civil society and politics and/or war-affected contexts.
  • Experience in conducting qualitative research, desk reviews, and stakeholder engagement.
  • Commitment to principles of academic freedom, equity, and partnership with Palestinian institutions.
  • Proficiency in Arabic is desirable.
• Selection Panel: Applications will be assessed jointly by representatives from Friends of Palestinian Universities and UCL SRI. Shortlisted candidates may be invited for an online interview.
• Please send applications to [email protected] no later than midnight, 6 November.

Benefits and Affiliations

• Affiliation: The Fellow will be based at Friends of Palestinian Universities and hold affiliate status with UCL Social Research Institute.
• Funding: The Fellow will receive a stipend of £8000.
• Mentorship and Support: Access to senior researchers and networks at UCL SRI and FPU, with guidance on methodology and engagement.
• Resources: Access to necessary books and digital resources.
• Visibility and Networking: Opportunities to present findings at academic and policy forums, and to contribute to wider conversations on academic resilience in war-affected settings.
• Impact: The Fellowship will directly inform the development of innovative, context-sensitive fellowship models to support Palestinian faculty in Gaza, with potential for wider application in other academic communities facing emergencies.

Outputs

• Comprehensive literature review and mapping report.
• Dataset of stakeholder interviews and thematic analysis.
• Policy-oriented final report with recommendations and programme design.
• Presentation of findings at a joint Friends of Palestinian Universities-UCL–SRI seminar.

Contact

Omar Shweiki (Friends of Palestinian Universities): [email protected]

Dr Rachel Rosen (UCL): [email protected]

Dr Humera Iqbal (UCL): [email protected]