Malcolm H. Kerr Dissertation Awards

The MESA Dissertation Awards were established in 1982 to recognize exceptional achievement in research and writing for/of dissertations in Middle East studies. In 1984 the award was named for Malcolm H. Kerr to honor his significant contributions to Middle East studies. Awards are given in two categories: Social Sciences and Humanities.

2006 Competition Guidelines
All students completing their dissertations between July 1, 2005 and June 30, 2006 are eligible to submit entries for the 2006 Malcolm H. Kerr Dissertation Awards. Dissertations should be nominated by the author’s sponsor or advisor. Submissions should include a letter of acceptance for the degree (such as verification from the department or college) and a 250-word abstract of the dissertation’s subject matter.

Applicants should specify either Social Sciences or Humanities as the category for which they are entering. If the applicant does not specify which category, the MESA Secretariat will place the dissertation as deemed appropriate.

Entries will be read by a three-member committee. We ask that the student’s department or institution provide one unbound copy of the dissertation. The copy must not be the original.

A release form must be included, simply stating that the author gives MESA permission to reproduce his or her dissertation, so photocopying companies can legally copy the manuscript.

All copies of the dissertation will be destroyed once the committee completes its deliberation. Winners will be announced at the 2005 annual meeting in Washington, DC. There is a $500 award for the winning dissertation in each category. Dissertations and accompanying materials must be in the hands of the Secretariat by July 1, 2006 to be considered.

Please send materials and address questions or requests for additional information to:

Sara L. Palmer, Awards Coordinator
Middle East Studies Association
The University of Arizona
1219 N Santa Rita Ave
Tucson AZ 85721
520-626-4753 (direct line)
520-621-5850 (general number)
palmers@email.arizona.edu