QatarDebate Fellowship Program
2nd Cycle
QD Fellowship
are you a researcher or academic and passionate about Debate & Dialogue
Join our wide network of academics and researchers
The QatarDebate Fellowship is a pioneering initiative designed to elevate scientific research and rigorous analysis in the realms of debate, dialogue, and argumentation, intersecting with a wide array of academic disciplines such as education, philosophy, Islamic studies, linguistics, artificial intelligence, and communication. This fellowship presents a unique opportunity for distinguished academics and researchers from around the globe to delve into critical issues, develop innovative methodologies, and create meaningful impacts while advancing knowledge in these fields. Participants are granted access to essential resources for conducting their research, integration into a global network of specialized researchers, and platforms to share their insights and findings through academic publications, conferences, and seminars. This fellowship is not only about advancing scholarship but also about fostering a collaborative and intellectually stimulating environment that bridges diverse academic communities.
Important Dates
22 September 2024
-
Last date for submitting the research abstract
(250 words)
15 October 2024
- Notification of Abstract Acceptance
15 November 2024
- Research Proposal Submission Deadline
First Half of December 2024
- Personal interviews (remote)
1 January 2025
- Conference Paper Submission Deadline
25 February 2025
- Notification of Acceptance for the Fellowship
15 April 2025
- Camera-ready Conference Paper Submission Deadline
19 – 20 May 2025
- Launch of the second fellowship cycle during the International Conference on Debate and Dialogue
Objectives of the Fellowship Program
1
Establishing a global nurturing environment by attracting elite researchers and academics dedicated to advancing knowledge in the field of debates and their intersections with diverse academic disciplines.
2
Enriching QatarDebate's global network by incorporating leading experts in their fields, thereby fostering collaboration and innovation in specialized scientific research.
3
Generating a significant knowledge impact in fields connected to debates, including communication, critical thinking, linguistics, philosophy, Islamic studies, education, artificial intelligence, and societal influence, among other relevant areas.
4
Contributing to the production of specialized academic research that integrates Arab-Islamic identity with a global perspective, ensuring a unique and culturally rich contribution to the global academic community.
Features of QatarDebate Fellowship
- Fully Funded Research Fellowship
- Global Network Access: Integration into a prestigious network of elite researchers and academics from around the world, fostering collaboration and innovation.
- Comprehensive Expense Coverage: All costs related to attending pertinent knowledge gatherings, conferences, and seminars are fully covered, ensuring no financial burden on fellows.
- Flexible Commitment: The fellowship accommodates your existing professional responsibilities, eliminating the need for full-time commitment.
- No Relocation Required: Maintain your current residence, as the fellowship does not necessitate relocating or changing your permanent address.
Research Areas of the Fellowship Program
Researchers can refer to the main and sub-themes of the Second International Conference on Debate & Dialogue, which all fall within the acceptable research areas for the fellowship program. Here are some notable examples:
AI and Computational Linguistics in Debate and Argumentation
Theoretical studies in contemporary Arabic argumentation
Debate and Education (Empirical Research)
Debate in Islamic heritage
Contemporary issues in debate and dialogue
Any other projects concerned with studying an aspect of debate
Who is this program for?
Academics from faculty members and PhD candidates in universities and higher education institutions
Researchers in specialized research centers
Selection Criteria for Candidates
- Quality of the research proposal
- Research and academic experiences
- Academic qualifications
- Scientific awards
- Personal skills and abilities
Fellowship Journey
The fellowship journey is divided into four stages over two years:
Exploration Phase: Research Proposal
(September 2024 – March 2025)
Research Abstract Submission: Researchers will submit abstracts not exceeding 250 words for the Second International Conference on Debate and Dialogue. Submissions can be made in either Arabic or English.
Initial Proposal Submission: Researchers are required to submit their CVs along with an initial research project proposal, which should include the following elements (template):
- Research Abstract: 250 words summarizing the research
- Background & Literature Review: A comprehensive 1500-word review of existing literature and contextual background.
- Research Gap, Importance, and Objectives:** A 500-word section identifying the research gap, explaining the significance of the study, and outlining the research objectives.
- Theoretical Framework and Methodology: A detailed 1000-word design of the theoretical framework and research methodology to be employed.
- Publication Plan: A detailed plan for publications in peer-reviewed journals and conferences extending until the end of 2026.
- Project Timeline and Financial Plan: A comprehensive timeline and financial plan for the research project.
- Research Team Proposal: If applicable, a proposal for the research team involved in the project.
- Attending the personal interview and responding to the inquiries and requests of the committee
- Preliminary Paper Submission: Researchers must submit a peer-reviewed preliminary paper for the Second International Conference on Debate and Dialogue. This paper should include enhancements and developments to the initial research proposal, along with any preliminary results that may be available.
First Phase: Empowerment and Launch
(April 2025 – August 2025)
Conference Presentation: Researchers qualifying for the second cycle of the QatarDebate Fellowship will present their preliminary research papers at the Second International Conference on Debate and Dialogue in Doha on May 19-20, 2025. This platform offers an opportunity to showcase their initial findings and receive valuable feedback from the academic community.
Knowledge Gathering: Immediately following the conference, fellows will participate in the inaugural knowledge gathering in Doha. This event aims to facilitate detailed discussions about their research projects, provide insights into the fellowship program, and foster networking among members of the second cycle.
Final Research Project Plan: During the summer of 2025, researchers will submit their finalized research project plans for comprehensive review. This step ensures that all projects are thoroughly vetted and refined for the next phases.
Project Approval: QatarDebate will announce the approved research projects for the second cycle of the fellowship, officially commencing the research journey. This approval marks a significant milestone, propelling fellows into the subsequent stages of their scholarly endeavors.
Second Phase: Data Collection and Analysis
(September 2025 – June 2026)
Project-Specific Approach: This phase is tailored to the nature of each research project, acknowledging that some projects may require more time than others, based on the approved research plan. Key data collection activities may include:
- Interviews and Surveys: Conducting structured interviews and administering surveys to gather qualitative and quantitative data.
- Database Construction: Building and organizing necessary databases to store and manage research data efficiently.
- Manuscript Preparation: Developing and refining manuscripts necessary for the research work.
- Field Studies: Conducting field studies to collect empirical data directly from relevant environments.
- Comprehensive Reporting: At the conclusion of this phase, researchers will submit a thorough report detailing the data collection processes and analysis.
This report will grant QatarDebate access to the compiled data and insights, ensuring transparency and accountability.
Third Phase: Publication in Refereed Journals
(July 2026 – December 2026)
- Research Review and Refinement: This phase emphasizes reviewing the collected research, making necessary revisions, and preparing the findings for publication.
- Journal Communication:Engaging with peer-reviwed journals approved by QatarDebate to submit the research findings.
- Publication Approval: Securing publication approval for one or more research papers derived from the research project, ensuring the dissemination of new knowledge and contributions to the academic community.
Explore the First Cycle of the QD Fellowship Program
Frequently Asked Questions
Will the researcher bear any costs for participating in the fellowship program?
No, the fellowship is fully funded, and participants will not bear any financial costs for their participation in the program.
Is submitting the research abstract to the Second International Conference on Debate and Dialogue necessary?
Yes, all research abstracts must be submitted to the Second International Conference on Debate and Dialogue. If they receive acceptance, they qualify for the subsequent stages of the fellowship program’s acceptance process.
Should the researcher start working on the research proposal before getting acceptance?
We advise all researchers to start working on the research proposal sections outlined in the “Exploration Phase” as soon as possible to have enough time for review, refinement, and adjustments before the proposal submission date if the abstract is accepted.
Does the fellowship require full-time commitment or relocation?
No, the fellowship does not require full-time commitment or relocation.
Is attending knowledge gatherings, conferences, and training programs mandatory?
Yes, fellowship grant winners must attend all programs organized by the program management.
How can I confirm that my application has been received?
You will receive an email immediately after submitting your application confirming receipt.
I have a question about the program that I couldn't find the answer to on the website. Who can I contact?
You can contact the Academic and Research Programs Department at QatarDebate through email at academics@qatardebate.org.
Registration Process
The application process for the second cycle of the QatarDebate Fellowship involves submitting the research contribution abstract to the Second International Conference on Debate and Dialogue through the SoftConf portal. If the research abstract passes the initial review process and aligns with the fellowship program’s research topics, the fellowship program team will contact the researcher to submit a complete research proposal and schedule a personal interview.
Note: All researchers applying for the second cycle of the QatarDebate Fellowship are expected to present the preliminary paper of their research project at the Second International Conference on Debate and Dialogue in Doha on May 19-20, 2025, and are subject to all the review criteria and conditions applicable in the conference.