CALL FOR APPLICATIONS: Disrupted & Displaced Palestinian Scholars Virtual Residency Program
The University of Alberta’s Disrupted and Displaced Palestinian Scholars and Students (DPSS) Initiative is launching a virtual residency program for scholars whose academic work has been disrupted by the war in Gaza.
The program will support up to six Palestinian scholars, providing each with a $2,000 CDN honorarium to assist them in continuing their research and establishing scholarly connections with the UAlberta community.
We welcome applications from Palestinian academics in all disciplines and at all career stages.
ELIGIBILITY
- Virtual DPSS scholars must be established or emerging academics with a proven record of research work commensurate with their career stage and an affiliation (current or recent) with a higher educational institution in the Gaza Strip. Early career scholars or postdoctoral researchers are welcome to apply.
- Proficiency in English is an important prerequisite for a successful application.
Coordination with the Emergency Committee of Universities in Gaza: To align with needs identified by universities in Gaza, the DPSS Virtual Residency Program has been developed in consultation with the Emergency Committee of Universities in Gaza. The Emergency Committee may circulate this call and help coordinate institutional nominations submitted by its member universities.
Application procedure: APPLY HERE
Applications are welcome via nomination by the applicant’s home university in Gaza.
To apply, candidates should fill out the application form and submit the following documents:
- a detailed academic résumé/CV, including a list of publications;
- a statement of interest in the virtual DPSS residency detailing the proposed research project (1-2 pages long);
- a writing sample of their scholarly work, either published or in progress. In the case of scholars in creative writing or the fine and performing arts, candidates may also submit a sample of creative activity.
- a letter of nomination from their home university in Gaza.
All documentation must be submitted in a PDF format. All materials must be prepared in English.
ROLES + RESPONSIBILITIES
- The duration of a virtual residency will be until April 30, 2026; if needed, the appointment may be deferred to the Fall Term 2026.
- Successful applicants will be expected to engage with the UAlberta scholarly community, promote their work to Canadian and international audiences, and foster academic and cultural connections with Canadian institutions.
- Such engagements may include:
- conference presentations or public talks over the term of the appointment
- roundtable discussions
- guest speaking engagements
- meetings with students or student organizations
- hosting online sessions with connected departments at UAlberta.
The University of Alberta will support the virtual scholars in developing networks and connections in appropriate units and will provide hosting and dissemination support.
REVIEW PROCESS
Applications will be reviewed by a committee convened by the Vice-Provost (Access, Community and Belonging). Final selection decisions rest with the University of Alberta.
ADJUDICATION TIMELINE
Application deadline: January 15, 2026
Adjudication date: January 30, 2026
Start date: Successful applicants will be notified in early February 2026.
Total honorarium per scholar: $2,000 CDN/scholar