UNESCO calls on young women and men under the age of 35 to apply for the 2022 Silk Roads Youth Research Grant

The Department of Research Administration and Development at the University of Limpopo encourages young postgraduate researchers, aged 35 and younger to apply for the 2022 Silk Roads Youth Research Grant. The grant is intended to encourage young researchers to conduct additional research on the Silk Roads’ shared heritage. The UNESCO Silk Roads Youth Research Grant was established in 2021 as part of the UNESCO Silk Roads Programme, with the support of the People’s Republic of China National Commission for UNESCO, in the context of the UNESCO Social and Human Sciences Programme. Each research project will receive twelve $10,000 grants.

The research needs to address specific issues relating to the following:

  • The shared heritage and plural identities developed along the Silk Roads;
  • Its internal diversity ;
  • It’s potential in contemporary societies for creativity, intercultural dialogue, social cohesion, regional and international cooperation, and ultimately sustainable peace and development.

 1. Who is eligible to apply for the grant?

The grant is open to postgraduate researchers aged 35 and under at the time of application. The proposed research could be carried out by a single researcher or as part of a group or collaborative project.

 2. What fields of research on the Silk Roads are eligible?

A wide range of research fields, including multidisciplinary and multidimensional proposals that are not restricted to a single region or chronology, are eligible.

The proposed research could focus on one or more themes related to the Silk Roads’ shared heritage, such as, but not limited to, the following:

  • Science, Technology, and Traditional Know-how
  • 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

3. How do I submit my research proposal?

Applicants must submit research proposals by filling out the attached Silk Roads Youth Research Grant Research Proposal Template 2022, which details their research project, methods, expected outcomes, and contribution to existing scholarship.

Proposals must be submitted in English and emailed to silkroadsgrant@unesco.org

 4. 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.

5. Applicant Guidelines

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

Applicant Guidelines

6. Important disclosure

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

Contact: silkroadsgrant@unesco.org for more information.