3rd UNESCO Silk Road Youth Research grant

Applications are now open for the 3rd Silk Roads Youth Research Grant for young researchers (under 35) to pursue further study of the Silk Roads shared heritage.

As part of the Silk Roads Programme’s ongoing work to better understand the rich history and shared legacy and spirit of the Silk Roads, UNESCO, with the support of the National Commission of the People’s Republic of China for UNESCO, will award 12 research grants.

Eligibility

Proposed research may cover one or several themes associated with the Silk Roads shared heritage including, but not limited to:

• Science and Technology and Traditional Knowhow
• Religion and Spirituality 
• Language and Literature 
• Arts and Music 
• Traditional Sports and Games
• Economy and Trade
• The Legacy of the Silk Roads and Contemporary Issues

However, proposed research must focus on the results of cultural interactions and exchanges, and within a given field must showcase the concrete resulting elements, be they tangible or intangible, as identifiable in two or more culturesalong the Silk Roads and beyond. 

The Silk Roads encompass a vast region comprised of a network of maritime and land trade routes. They pass through South Asia and Southeast Asia, crossing the Russian steppes, Central Asia and Indian subcontinent, the Iranian and Anatolian plateaus, and the Arabian Peninsula. They also stretch across North Africa and Northeast Africa, from Tanzania to Morocco as well as extending through Eastern and Southern Europe up to Western Europe and the Iberian Peninsula.

Silk Roads Youth Research Grant application guidelines

Deadline: 31 May 2023