The Finnish Institute in the Middle East (FIME) in Beirut is pleased to announce a call for applications for its Resident Scholar Program for the period 1 September 2026–28 February 2027. The application period is now open and will close on 26 April 2026.
Applications are invited from scholars based in Lebanon, as well as Lebanese scholars currently based abroad who are willing to reside and work at the Institute in Beirut for the duration of the program. Applicants must hold a PhD in the humanities, social sciences, or another relevant field, demonstrate a strong record of academic research in or on the Middle East, and possess excellent command of English.
During the six-month residency, the successful applicant will pursue their own research on a full-time basis without administrative duties, while participating as a member of the Institute’s collegial academic community located on Badaro Street, Beirut. The resident scholar will be provided with a dedicated workspace and access to the Institute’s facilities, including its library and seminar rooms.
In addition to conducting independent research, the resident scholar will organise one activity aimed at either an academic or a broader public audience. This may take the form of a small academic event, such as a seminar or workshop. The scholar will also have the opportunity to disseminate their research through written contributions or podcasts on FIME’s platforms.
The resident scholar will receive a monthly grant of USD 2,500 for the duration of the program (1 September 2026 – 28 February 2027).
Finnish Institute in the Middle East
The Finnish Institute in the Middle East (FIME) is an academic institute based in Beirut and funded by the Ministry of Education and Culture of Finland. In addition to conducting research, FIME organises workshops and conferences and collaborates with academic institutions across the Middle East and North Africa.
The Institute supports and promotes Middle East Studies at Finnish universities, provides education in cooperation with universities in Finland, other Nordic countries, and the Middle East, and advances academic collaboration between Finland and countries of the MENA region. At FIME, Middle East Studies encompass a broad range of disciplines and topics, from archaeology to politics and social sciences, and from ancient civilisations to contemporary societies.
As an academic institution, FIME is committed to promoting equal opportunities in all its activities. The Institute is a small but active scholarly community located in the vibrant Badaro district of Beirut.
How to Apply
Applications must include the following documents:
- A cover letter (maximum 1 page)
- Academic curriculum vitae, including major publications (maximum 4 pages)
- Official PhD degree certificate
- Description of the research project to be pursued during the residency, including expected outputs and the relevance of the Institute for the successful completion of the project (maximum 5 pages)
- Proposal for a small activity aimed at a local academic and/or general audience (maximum 1,000 characters)
- Names of two academic referees (references will be requested only from shortlisted candidates)
Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed in early May 2026. The final decision will be announced in early June 2026.
For answers to frequently asked questions, please consult the Resident Scholar 2026 – FAQ page.
Applications must be submitted in English via the Resident Scholar 2026 application form.
Applications will be evaluated primarily on the relevance of the proposed research project to the Institute’s profile and activities, rather than on academic seniority.
For further information regarding the position or the application process, please contact Dr Susanne Dahlgren, Director of FIME susanne.dahlgren(at)fime.fi.