Gaza Education Research Virtual Fellowship (GERVF)

How does GERVF operate?

GERVF was launched in direct response to the Unified Statement by Gazan colleagues and to the priorities identified by the Emergency Committee of Universities in Gaza (ECUG), which named collaborative fellowships with international institutions as a means of supporting Gaza-based faculty to remain at their home universities.

Developed with the ECUG in 2025-2026, GERVF drew on the virtual fellowship models reviewed in the Friends of Palestinian Universities (FOP) Guide for UK-Palestinian Higher Education Collaboration as a starting point, before taking shape with a structure and delivery of its own. The initiative is rooted in principles of equity and academic solidarity, and unpacks the challenges and opportunities of sustaining collaboration across borders in times of crisis.

Gaza Education Research Virtual Fellowship (GERVF): Round 2 now open for applications

CIRE is pleased to announce that Round 2 of the Gaza Education Research Virtual Fellowship (GERVF) is now open for applications. GERVF 2026-2027 will work with two education scholars in Gaza, supporting them to conduct and publish their research through structured online meetings, access to resources, and networking and professional development opportunities.

For round 2, CIRE will be working with the Council for At-Risk Academics (CARA), as part of its Palestine Virtual Fellowship Programme.

Research focus

We welcome proposals connected to ongoing research, or to research about to begin. Studies may be qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods, and should work within one or more of the following areas:

• Education reconstruction, including rebuilding educational infrastructure, systems, learning environments, and academic communities
• Disability and inclusion in Gaza: for example, inequality in access to emergency education, whether physical or virtual, by disability status.
• Other compounded or emerging education inequalities (socio-economic, gender, etc.)
• Community-led education provision
• Trauma-informed pedagogies
• Education, labour-market, employability
• Education, agency, identity, belonging and aspirations
• Education and culture, values and intercultural understanding
• Online or blended assessment (in context of crises)

Who we are looking for

The call is open to all education scholars affiliated with universities in Gaza. We are particularly keen to hear from those at an early career stage. 

What Fellows will receive

Through the co-sponsorship with CARA, selected Fellows will receive:

• Academic affiliation with CIRE and the University of Bristol for the fellowship period (November 2026 to November 2027)
• Support and mentorship from international academic peers, and opportunities to take part in research seminars, workshops, and professional development activities
• Access to Bristol University digital resources, including library collections and online academic materials
• Access to training and networking opportunities offered through CIRE and CARA
• A Fellowship stipend of £6,000 to support participation in the programme. Fellows residing in Gaza will receive an additional £2,000 location supplement. Additional research engagement funds will be available for project-related expenses, access to datasets, memberships, E- conference attendance, professional development, wellbeing support, specialist services, equipment, internet access, local workspace costs, etc.  

How to apply

Full details and the application form are available on the CARA website here.

Deadline for applications: 05 October, 2026 – 5 pm Palestine time.

 

This call was developed in conversation with the Emergency Committee of Universities in Gaza, building on the collaboration established in GERVF's first round. The call is open to all education scholars in Gaza, whatever their university affiliation.