The Sharjah Government opens applications for international researchers for short-term archaeological research grants

Sharjah, 17 March / WAM / The Government of Sharjah, under the supervision of the Sharjah Archeology Authority – after the inclusion of the Al Faya site on the UNESCO World Heritage List – has opened the door for nominations for researchers and specialists to benefit from the “Short-Term Research Grant”, which it launched with the aim of implementing focused archaeological research projects for a period of one year at the Al Faya site, and in coordination with the Scientific Committee of the Al Faya World Heritage Site.

The “Short-Term Research Grant” constitutes one of the three funding tracks within the “Al Faya Research Grant” programme, which is a major initiative worth 2 million dirhams that extends from 2026 to 2028 and includes three tracks: One long-term research grant, six short-term research grants, and a mentorship fellowship for Emirati youth.

The “Al Faya Research Grant” program was established with the support of Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Ambassador of the Al Faya World Heritage Site, with the aim of enhancing scientific knowledge and research foundations supporting the Outstanding Universal Value of the Al Faya Site, in addition to supporting Sharjah’s commitment to developing heritage sciences and research related to prehistoric times in the long term.

The Al Faya Research Grant program supports studies in archaeology, paleoenvironment, digital heritage modeling and heritage conservation, with a focus on understanding environmental change and human settlement patterns in Al Faya.

The Sharjah Antiquities Authority provides infrastructure and logistical support to enable researchers to direct funding towards specialized analyses, academic publications, and technical results.

The Short-Term Research Grant supports 6 research projects that address specific questions in archaeology or studies of ancient environments in the prehistoric cultural landscape of Al Faya. During the period from 2026 to 2028, the program provides two short-term grants annually, with a total allocation of 600 thousand dirhams throughout the grant cycle. Each project receives funding of up to 100 thousand dirhams, and may include field research or research based on archaeological collections.

The grant supports research and studies that employ digital technologies to document and re-model heritage, including the reconstruction of ancient natural scenes and historical archaeological or environmental sites.

It also includes the use of geographic information systems (GIS), 3D imaging techniques, and immersive technologies such as virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) to study movable heritage, serving the purposes of scientific research, education, and interaction with the public.

Projects may also address topics of reconstructing ancient environments or preserving heritage sites, including site monitoring and management, risk mapping, heritage-related tourism studies, as well as analysis of archaeological materials.

In addition to new research based on field work, the Sharjah Antiquities Authority encourages researchers to submit proposals that exploit its extensive archaeological collections by asking new research questions or adopting innovative analytical approaches and methods.

These collections include human remains, animal material, and stone tools. Research proposals should focus on prehistoric periods extending between 200,000 and 6,000 years ago, including the Paleolithic and/or Neolithic. The Authority also welcomes proposals that address heritage studies more broadly, or that contribute to strengthening international research cooperation.

Projects must be led by experienced local and international joint research teams, and provide results that enhance understanding of the prehistoric cultural landscape in Al Faya. Outcomes can include peer-reviewed scientific publications or the development of strategies to conserve and manage the site in accordance with international standards and local conditions.

Proposals will be evaluated based on the quality of the research, including originality, applicability and potential scientific impact. Priority will be given to nominated projects that are able to stimulate the interaction of local teams, experts or institutions. Research funded under the Short-Term Research Grant must be completely independent, with all results attributed directly to the Al-Faya Research Grant. Proposals that represent an extension or continuation of existing international research initiatives are not accepted.

The Short-Term Research Grant is open to researchers of all nationalities, provided that all research is conducted in English. Applicants are required to have a doctoral degree in a relevant field, publish research papers in international peer-reviewed journals, and demonstrate in-depth knowledge of prehistoric archaeology or ancient environments.

Candidates must demonstrate the ability to work independently and within multidisciplinary field teams, in addition to having experience in organizing and leading field work projects, research database management skills, experience participating in authoring and developing research publications, in addition to strong abilities in communication and teamwork.

The Short-Term Research Grant receives applications exclusively in English until March 31.

The program’s time frame and research outputs were carefully designed, based on a supportive institutional infrastructure that ensures quality implementation and follow-up. At the same time, a deliberate amount of flexibility may be adopted when needed to keep pace with operational variables or external developments, provided that all concerned parties are informed of any modifications in a timely manner.

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