ACSS AI Research Grant 2026 Offering $4,000 Funding for Research Scholars
Applications are now open for the ACSS AI Research Grant 2026, a funding opportunity launched by the Arab Council for the Social Sciences (ACSS) under its Small Grants Program 2026. This research grant is designed to support scholars and practitioners exploring the social impact of artificial intelligence in the Arab region, with grants of up to $4,000 available for selected projects.
The programme encourages innovative research on how artificial intelligence is affecting governance, education, labor markets, and social systems across Arab countries. With an 8-month funding period, the grant supports short-term, focused research projects that can generate meaningful academic or policy outcomes.
This opportunity is ideal for research scholars, academics, and experienced practitioners in the social sciences and humanities who want to investigate AI-related challenges and opportunities in the Arab world.
Degree Level
The ACSS AI Research Grant 2026 is open to:
- PhD holders in social sciences and humanities
- Practitioners and activists with a Master’s degree and relevant professional experience
This is a research funding grant, not a degree scholarship.
Available Subjects
- Artificial Intelligence
Benefits
Selected applicants will receive up to $4,000 to support research activities over 8 months.
The funding may be used for:
- Fieldwork expenses
- Travel and accommodation for research
- Research materials and equipment
- Research assistance
- Consultation fees
- Limited stipend support (up to 25% of the budget)
In addition, selected grantees may have the opportunity to present their work at the ACSS conference in 2027, with related participation costs covered separately.
Eligible Nationalities
The grant is open to:
- Citizens of Arab countries (Algeria, Bahrain, Comoros, Djibouti, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, Yemen)
- Individuals of Arab origin
- Refugees or stateless individuals from the Arab region
Applicants living outside the Arab region may apply, but preference may be given to those residing within Arab countries.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the ACSS AI Research Grant 2026, applicants must:
- Be a citizen of an Arab country, an individual of Arab origin, or a refugee/stateless person from the Arab region
- Hold a PhD in social sciences or humanities, OR
- Hold a Master’s degree with at least 5 years of professional experience in activism or research
- Submit a research proposal focused on AI and its societal impact in the Arab region
- Demonstrate the ability to complete the research within 8 months
- Present a clear and realistic research methodology
Applicants are expected to submit original proposals, as the programme places strong emphasis on originality and relevance.
Application Procedure
Interested candidates can apply by following these steps:
- Prepare a Research Proposal
Develop a proposal focused on artificial intelligence and its societal impact in the Arab region. - Prepare Supporting Documents
Gather the required documents, including:- Academic CV
- Degree certificates
- Research proposal
- Supporting references (if required)
- Submit the Online Application
Complete the application form through the official ACSS grants portal. - Interview Stage
Shortlisted applicants may be invited for an interview as part of the selection process. - Selection Results
Successful applicants will be notified after the review and interview process.
Only a small number of grants are awarded, making the selection process competitive.
Application Deadline
The last date to apply for the ACSS AI Research Grant 2026 is 14 July 2026.
