From the organizers:

The Association for Gulf and Arabian Peninsula Studies (AGAPS) invites recent PhD graduates to submit their dissertations for consideration for its 2026 Gwenn Okruhlik Dissertation Award. AGAPS wishes to recognize exceptional achievement in research and writing. We welcome dissertations from across the disciplines and a variety of perspectives. They must primarily focus on the Arabian Peninsula but can be inclusive of the transnational flows of people, material and ideas across the Gulf, Red Sea, and Indian Ocean. Entries will be read by a multi-disciplinary three-member committee.

PhD dissertations/theses (in English) accepted for the degree of PhD between 1 July 2025 and 30 June 2026 are eligible. The PhD must have been confirmed/awarded within this timeframe. Dissertations that have not been defended will not be considered. All applicants must be members of AGAPS at the time of submission. The deadline for submission is 15 July 2026. Early submissions are appreciated!

The author of the winning dissertation will be presented with a certificate at the AGAPS Business Meeting held during the next annual Middle East Studies Association (MESA) conference, held from 21–24 November 2026 in Boston, USA. The winning dissertation will be announced in the Journal of Arabian Studies (JAS).

Submission requirements:

• A Brief Application Form (available here)
• A Verification of Degree Completion
• A Letter of Nomination (by author’s adviser or sponsor)
• An Abstract (250 words)
• The Manuscript (digital copy)
• AGAPS membership. You can join online at www.agaps.org.

Due by: July 15, 2016