As part of the Silk Roads Programme’s ongoing work to better understand the rich history and shared legacy and spirit of the Silk Roads, UNESCO, with the support of the National Commission of the People’s Republic of China for UNESCO, launched the "Silk Roads Youth Research Grant" in 2021 within the framework of the Social and Human Sciences Sector.

The second edition has been launched on 1 March 2022. UNESCO calls on young women and men under the age of 35 to apply for the 2022 Silk Roads Youth Research Grant. Deadline for submitting proposals is 31 May 2022. The grant aims to mobilize young researchers for further study of the Silk Roads shared heritage. Twelve grants of USD10,000 will be awarded per research project. Grant applicants are invited to address areas of academic study which relate to the shared heritage and plural identities of the Silk Roads, as well as its internal diversity, and potential in contemporary societies for creativity, intercultural dialogue, social cohesion, regional and international cooperation, and ultimately sustainable peace and development.

The research needs to address specific issues relating to:

· the shared heritage and plural identities developed along the Silk Roads,

· its internal diversity,

· its potential in contemporary societies for creativity, intercultural dialogue, social cohesion, regional and international cooperation, and

· ultimately sustainable peace and development.

Who is eligible to apply for the grant?

Postgraduate researchers, aged 35 and younger at the time of application, are eligible to apply for the grant. The proposed research may be carried out by an individual researcher or may be part of the research of a group or collaborative project.

What fields of research on the Silk Roads are eligible?

A broad array of research fields, including multidisciplinary and multidimensional proposals not limited to one specific region or chronology, are eligible. Proposed research may cover one or several themes associated with the Silk Roads shared heritage including, but not limited to:

· Science, Technology and Traditional Knowhow  

· Religion and Spirituality

· Language and Literature

· Arts and Music

· Traditional Sports and Games

· Economy and Trade

· The Legacy of the Silk Roads and Contemporary Issues

How to submit your research proposal?

Applicants are required to submit their research proposals by downloading and completing the template provided detailing their research project, its methods, expected outcomes and contribution to existing scholarship.

Proposals should be submitted in English and sent to:

silkroadsgrant@unesco.org

When is the deadline?

The deadline for submitting proposals is 31 May 2022.

The submitted research proposals will be evaluated by a scientific panel comprised of renowned international academics.

The list of grant awardees will be announced at the end of September 2022.

Applicant Guidelines

A comprehensive guide to the grant, including details on applicant eligibility criteria, suitable research topics, and evaluation process, is available here:

· Applicant Guidelines

https://en.unesco.org/silkroad/youthgrant-applicant-guidelines

(click "read more" down below to download)

See also:

· Grant winning research projects of the first edition

https://en.unesco.org/silkroad/content/winners-unesco-silk-roads-youth-research-grant-2021

· More information on Social and Human Sciences at UNESCO

https://www.unesco.org/en/social-human-sciences

Contact:

silkroadsgrant@unesco.org

Important disclosure

UNESCO reserves the right to modify the grant rules and regulations as and when necessary, without prior notice.