I.M.A.M. Travel Grant for Shi’i Islamic Academic Research

Supporting Shi’i Islamic Scholarship: The I.M.A.M. Travel Grant for Academic Research

Led by a committee of Shi’i Muslims active in North American academia 

Preamble

Imam Mahdi Association of Marjaeya (I.M.A.M.), a non-profit organization dedicated to serving the advancement of the Shia Muslim community in North America, specifically aims to promote rigorous scholarship on Shi’i Islam, with a special focus on the intellectual and theological traditions of the Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them). One practical avenue for this is investing in academic conferences, exhibits, and cultural activities. The grant intends to foster academically grounded, critical, and nuanced engagement with Shi’i thought, history, and material culture within global scholarly conversations.

AAR-SBL Annual Meeting – 2026

I.M.A.M. is excited to announce that applications are now open for its annual travel grant, which supports attendance and active participation in the AAR–SBL Annual Meeting in Colorado from November 21-24, 2026. This event is the world’s largest and most respected academic conference dedicated to the study of religion and biblical scholarship. It convenes thousands of scholars, researchers, and educators for several days of academic sessions, panel discussions, book exhibits, and networking opportunities. Organized jointly by the American Academy of Religion (AAR) and the Society of Biblical Literature (SBL), it serves as the leading global platform for advancing research, dialogue, and professional development in religious studies.

Number of Grants & Selection Process

The program will award grants to 12 recipients. All applications undergo a rigorous review by the I.M.A.M. committee, composed of prominent Shia Muslim scholars active in North American academia. This committee selects candidates based on their scholarly merit and the originality of their work, as well as the research topic’s relevance and its overall contribution to the fields of Shi’i Islamic Studies.

What the Travel Grants Cover

The I.M.A.M. grant provides comprehensive support of US $1,500.00 for the following:

• Conference registration fees
• Hotel accommodations
• Daily meals
• Round-trip airfare
  

Application Deadline

Applications must be in by 11:59 pm on Wednesday, May 20th, 2026, in order to provide time to review all applications and announce the recipients by Wednesday, June 3rd InshaAllah.

To apply, please complete the form below. Should you have questions, please email imamtravelgrant@imam-us.org

Support Shi’i Islamic Scholarship

Your donation funds travel grants that bring Shi’i Muslim voices into global academic conversations. Every contribution makes a difference.

I.M.A.M. Travel Grant Application Form

AAR–SBL Annual Meeting – 2026 Please complete all fields. All information will remain confidential.

Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.

1. Personal Information

Full Name *

First

Middle

Last

Date of Birth *

Current Residency *

Phone *

Email *

Address *

Address Line 1

Address Line 2

City

— Select state —AlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyomingState

Zip Code

2. Academic Information

Current Academic Status (check one): *

• University Professor
• PhD Student
• MA Student
• Independent Researcher

University / Institution *

Department / Field of Study *

3. Research Contribution

Title of Research / Presentation *

Abstract (150-250 words): *

five them)? the

How does your research contribute to accurate and scholarly representation of Islam and the School of Ahl al‑Bayt (peace be upon them)? *

4. Conference Participation

Have you submitted your proposal to AAR or SBL? *

• Yes
• No

If yes, provide documentation of acceptance to the AAR or SBL Annual Meeting; an official letter or email confirmation is acceptable. Please attach confirmation of acceptance: *

Drag & Drop Files, Choose Files to Upload You can upload up to 5 files.

Have you attended the AAR–SBL Annual Meeting before? *

• Yes
• No

If yes, when and in what capacity? *

5. Publications (Optional)

List up to five recent publications (books, articles, or papers):

6. Statement of Intent

Why do you wish to receive this scholarship, and how will your participation benefit your academic growth and the broader scholarly community? (150–300 words) *

7. Required Attachments

Please upload or attach the following documents listed below: *

Drag & Drop Files, Choose Files to Upload You can upload up to 5 files.

– Curriculum Vitae (CV)
– Copy of proposal submission to AAR/SBL (if available)
– LinkedIn.com or Academia.edu profile (if applicable)

8. Applicant Declaration

Signature *

Clear Signature

By checking this box, I certify that the information provided is true and complete. *

• I accept

Submit