Mehjabeen Fellowship

Applications are now open for potential women only candidates towards the Mehjabeen Fellowship. This merit-based fellowship is to commemorate the late Dr. Syeda Mehjabeen Abidi Habib, who encouraged young women to fulfil their intellectual aspirations in the field of human-ecology by conducting primary research in priority linked social-ecological systems in Pakistan.

In case you are interested, please read through the information given below to assess your suitability and eligibility before submitting your application.

Please download the application form from either the SAMA^Verte (www.samaverte.com) or Zaman Foundation (www.zamanfoundation.pk) websites and fill out the form electronically or take a print and write out the information by hand.

Purpose:

The Mehjabeen Fellowship is a merit-based grant for covering the costs and efforts of conducting primary field research as part of a Master’s or PhD thesis (not for the Music category) to further understanding of 1) HUMAN-ECOLOGY: human interaction in a priority natural ecosystem in Pakistan and 2) MUSIC HERITAGE: indigenous musical communities and practice in Pakistan.

Who can apply?

A Pakistani woman registered for a Master’s or PhD degree programme at a university in Pakistan.

Which fields of study/research are eligible?

Human-Ecology

The interdisciplinary approach integrating complex and deep links between human societies and the wellbeing of ecology is referred to as human-ecology. This research will deepen understanding of the interface between a priority ecological process and how indigenous and local communities interact with the ecosystem. human-ecology recognizes that local communities play an integral part in conserving a natural ecosystem through a complex web of their belief systems, traditional practices, science, economic gains and interaction with the government.

Music Heritage

For music, the research should appreciate that musical practice is an invaluable tool in maintaining the collective health of a social group or society. Themes such as identity, spirituality, history, inter-generational relations, connection to nature and activism can be addressed. The role of music within traditions in Pakistan, especially musicality linked to the different ethnic heritage within the country will be preferred.

Who is eligible to apply?

University students enrolled for a Master’s or PhD programme at a Pakistani university can apply. Typically, the following university departments enable such research:

1-Environment

2-Ecology

3-Geography

4-Sociology/Anthropology

5-Music

For the Music Heritage topic only, independent researchers not currently registered in an institutional setting will also be eligible, depending upon their commitment to their cause.

Students registered for other disciplines, such as economics and management may be considered depending upon the research topic.

Students are encouraged to understand priority linked social-ecological issues in Pakistan, and the suggested resources are:

1-WWF-Pakistan

https://www.wwfpak.org

2-Pakistan Biodiversity Action Plan

https://www.cbd.int/doc/world/pk/pk-nbsap-v2-en.pdf

Size of Mehjabeen Fellowship?

The successful candidates will be provided with a lumpsum amount of Rs. 300,000/- (Rupees Three Hundred Thousand Only) in the following instalments:

• 25% upon selection and signed acceptance
• 25% upon sharing the field research plan of the student, endorsed by their university supervisor
• 30% upon sharing a report after completing the field research
• 20% upon submitting the thesis to the respective university and presenting work to the Mehjabeen Fellowship Committee

Timeline?

Candidates enrolled in the degree programme can apply when their research proposal has been approved by their respective university.

15^th May -> Applications invited

31^st July -> Deadline for submission of applications

15^th August -> Announcement of successful candidates

How many fellowships are given?

Up to 5 fellowships will be given for the year 2024-2025. This may be increased from next year depending upon suitable candidates and funds availability.

How are candidates selected?

Once applications are received on the Zaman Foundation or SAMA^Verte website, a basic screening of eligible candidates will be done, and forwarded to the selection committee for the final decision. The successful candidates will be informed.

Is the Mehjabeen Fellowship limited to certain universities?

Candidates from any Higher Education Commission (HEC) recognized university in Pakistan can apply.

The Mehjabeen Fellowship has links with the following universities:

1-The Government College University Lahore

2-The Lahore School of Economics

3-Karakoram International University, Gilgit-Baltistan

Where to Apply?

Candidates will apply using the downloadable form provided at one of the websites:

1-Zaman Foundation

https://www.zamanfoundation.pk

2-SAMA^Verte

https://samaverte.com

In case of any query?

In case of any query or clarifications, please send an email to

MehjabeenFellowship@samaverte.com