Ferdowsi PhD Dissertation Award
The Persian Manuscripts Association awards an annual Dissertation Award to recognize outstanding doctorate research in Persian studies. This award is part of the PMA’s broader commitment to fostering scholarship of the Persianate world across wide-ranging fields of study, and celebrating the intellectual traditions of the Persian-speaking world. The prize aims to support early-career scholars and promote high-quality research on regions ranging from Iran to Central Asia and beyond.
Recipients of the prize are awarded £1,000 and offered the opportunity to publish their findings in our academic journal, Shamsa.
Eligibility
PhD dissertations that attend to Persian Studies through any discipline are eligible for consideration. Further criteria for eligibility is as follows:
- Candidates must be members of the PMA.
- Candidates may be an affiliate of any internationally recognised institution of higher education.
- Candidates of any nationality are welcome to apply.
- The dissertation must have been submitted between January 2023 and December 2024.
- The dissertation must be written in English or Persian.
Please note that you can only submit your PhD dissertation once for this prize.
The awarded dissertation typically demonstrates excellence in original research and innovative approaches to Persian studies. Winners are selected by a committee of experts based on the academic rigour, innovation, and significance of their work.
If you have any questions about whether you are eligible, feel free to email us at: info@persianmanscripts.org.
How to Apply
Please submit the completed PMA grant application form (linked here), along with the following to info@persianmanscripts.org, and be sure to include ‘Dissertation Prize’ in the subject line.
- An electronic copy of your thesis.
- A letter of nomination from your supervisor.
Ibn Sina Research Grant
The Persian Manuscripts Association offers a £1000 research grant to support innovative scholarly projects focused on any aspect of Persian studies. This grant aims to foster research that explores the rich cultural, artistic, linguistic, and historical aspects of Persian studies.
Eligibility
The grant is open to postgraduate and independent researchers working on wide-ranging topics related to any discipline as applied to Persian studies. The funds may be used to support research activities such as archival visits, publication costs, or for the organisation of scholarly workshops. Further criteria for eligibility is as follows:
- Candidates must be members of the PMA.
- Candidates of any nationality are welcome to apply.
- Projects concentrated on Persian manuscripts are prioritised, but everyone is welcome to apply.
If you have any questions about whether you are eligible, feel free to email us at: info@persianmanscripts.org.
Please note: awardees are expected to produce a report on the use of the grant within a year of receiving it.
How to Apply
Researchers are invited to apply on an annual basis, with an application deadline of Friday, 4 April 2025. All submissions are peer-reviewed, and applicants can expect to receive responses by the end of May. Successful applicants are required to submit a final report within 60 days of the project’s completion and must acknowledge the Association’s support in any resulting publications.
Please submit the completed PMA grant application form (linked here), along with the following to info@persianmanscripts.org. Be sure to include ‘Ibn Sina Research Grant’ in the subject line.
- 2-page academic Curriculum Vitae
- A proposal letter explaining the nature of the project, including a description of the aims and impact of the project (max 1000 words)
Mihan Memorial Art Prize
The Mihan Memorial Art Prize is intended to support emerging artists of Iranian descent, based anywhere in the world, working across media and styles. The prize seeks to recognize highly innovative artists, and is open to those working across disciplines including but not limited to: painting, drawing, installation, photography, design, video art, performance art, etc.
The judging committee comprises master artists, museum directors and curators, invited for each competition.
Winners are awarded a £1500 prize, and are invited to deliver a talk in our monthly PMA series, sharing their work with our community. Winners are also eligible to receive further support on a case by case basis, as their practice and circumstances may require.
Eligibility
The prize is open to any emerging artists producing innovative work in any artistic discipline. Further criteria for eligibility is as follows:
- Candidates must be members of the PMA.
- Candidates must be of Iranian descent
- Candidates may be based anywhere in the world
- Candidates may be working in any discipline
If you have any questions about whether you are eligible, feel free to email us at: info@persianmanscripts.org.
How to Apply
Please submit the completed PMA grant application form (linked here) along with the following to info@persianmanscripts.org. Be sure to include ‘Mihan Memorial Art Prize’ in the subject line.
- A 2-page curriculum vitae
- An Artist’s Statement (max 600 words)
- High quality images or video documentation of up to five works. There are no limitations in regards to the dimensions of artworks. These can be attached as documents or shared via links.