Call for Proposals PoY-2025 – Research Grants for University Students

Call for Proposals PoY-2025 – Research Grants for University Students

The Power of Youth: Unlocking Potential for Inter- and Intra-Communal Conflict Prevention in Lebanon

1. Project Background

Lebanon is currently experiencing profound social, economic, and political crises that have deeply fragmented its social fabric and heightened inter- and intra-community tensions. Decades of conflict, compounded by regional upheavals, refugee influxes, economic collapse, and systemic governance challenges, have created an environment of social dislocation and mistrust among diverse communities—including Lebanese, Palestinian, Syrians, refugees, migrants, and other marginalized groups. The erosion of social cohesion, participation, and civic engagement has further entrenched divisions, making conflict prevention and social stability critical priorities for Lebanon’s future.

In this context, Mada Association, Jafra Foundation, and WeWorld are currently implementing “The Power of Youth: Unlocking Potential for Inter- and Intra-Communal Conflict Prevention in Lebanon”, a project funded by the European Union. The project aims to contribute to conflict prevention and peacebuilding in Lebanon through youth mobilization, by empowering youth and strengthening their role as active agents of change in their communities. Its primary outcome is to increase the individual and collective capacities and participation of Youth-Led Civil Society Organizations and Groups in conflict prevention and resolutions initiatives to foster inter-and intra-communal peace in Greater Beirut and Tripoli.

2. Research Scope

Through this call for proposals, the project seeks to support Lebanese university students, both individuals and groups, in conducting original, community-based qualitative studies that deepen understanding of social frictions, community narratives, and drivers of conflict or cohesion in Lebanon, specifically in the Greater Beirut and Tripoli areas (please refer to section n.3 for the target areas). The overarching goal of the project is to empower young people and civil society groups to contribute meaningfully to peacebuilding and social cohesion by informing, inspiring, and influencing efforts to reduce communal tensions and promote peaceful coexistence. A key component of this effort is to generate robust, community-informed evidence through qualitative research that explores community dynamics, perceptions, and social tensions.

The research findings will serve as vital inputs for informing advocacy initiatives and fostering dialogue among diverse communities. By prioritizing participatory and scientifically rigorous qualitative research, this initiative seeks to promote locally grounded solutions, amplify youth voices, and strengthen Lebanon’s resilience against ongoing and future social fractures.

Specifically, the objectives are to:

• Generate knowledge on community dynamics, social tensions, and cohesion through qualitative research.
• Enhance youth research capacity and foster participatory and community-engaged approaches.
• Support evidence-based policy and community interventions that promote peace and social stability.
• Encourage innovative and scientifically rigorous approaches to understanding inter- and intra-community relations.
• Foster dialogue among different communities residing in Lebanon, including Lebanese, Palestinian, Syrians, refugees, migrants, and other marginalized groups.

3. Target areas for the development of the study

The qualitative research studies must cover the following areas targeted by the project:

• Beirut and Greater Beirut, Shatila camp, and Burj El Barajneh camp.
• Tripoli, Minieh, Akkar, El Mina, El Kalamoun, Koura, Beddawi camp, and Nahr El Bared camp.

4. Research Methodology

While all qualitative research proposals aligned with conflict prevention, peacebuilding and social cohesion are eligible, topics of particular interest include:

• Ethnographic studies exploring community tensions, interactions, and perceptions between different ethnic, religious, or refugee groups.

• Case studies of community-led initiatives promoting social cohesion or conflict mitigation.

• Innovative approaches to understanding social frictions, narratives, identity, and perceptions affecting intra- and inter-community relations.

• Analysis of community narratives and discourses that reveal local drivers of conflict or cohesion.
• Action research involving youth and community members.

5. Expected Research Outcomes

The research is expected to provide a rich, context-specific understanding of community perceptions, dynamics, and tensions. Findings will offer evidence to inform communication, advocacy, and interventions that promote social cohesion and community resilience.

6. Expected Research Timeline

The expected timeline to produce the research is set at six (6) months following the signature of the sub-grant agreement, in case of award.

7. Eligibility Criteria

This call is open to:

• University students (Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD level) currently enrolled in Lebanese universities (from the faculties of Sociology, Anthropology, Political science or related field studies, such as peace and conflict studies, public relation studies, migration and refugee studies, urban studies, social psychology studies, etc.).
• Applications can be submitted by individuals or groups of students (up to six members) with a demonstrated interest in the themes of the project.

8. What the project offers:

• Two grants will be disbursed to two students and/or groups of students.
• Grants’ amount and disbursement modality: 5,000 EUR (all inclusive) per research study produced. Funds will be transferred in tranches, based on submission of deliverables and progress updates – the kind of deliverables and grant timeline will be defined upon selection.
• Support: Grantees will receive ongoing guidance and mentorship from the project team if needed.