Scholarship Program
Imam Ali Fellowship
The Imam Ali Fellowship is the flagship academic program of the Imam Ali Research Center, designed to support emerging scholars engaged in rigorous, primary-source research on the intellectual, spiritual, and historical legacy of Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib (A.S.) and the broader Alid tradition.
Fellows are selected through a competitive application process and spend one to two academic years in residence at the Center, where they have access to our rare manuscript collection, digital archive, and a distinguished community of scholars and mentors. Each fellow works toward a significant scholarly output — a monograph, critical edition, or peer-reviewed article — that advances the field.
The Fellowship is open to doctoral candidates, postdoctoral researchers, and established academics from any country. We are particularly interested in interdisciplinary projects that bring together Islamic theology, philosophy, history, jurisprudence, literature, or the sciences.
Program Highlights
What Fellows Receive
Research Stipend
Fellows receive a generous annual stipend to support full-time scholarly engagement, allowing them to focus exclusively on their research without the pressure of supplementary employment.
Archive Access
The Center's collection includes rare manuscripts, critical printed editions, and a growing digital archive covering Nahj al-Balagha, Sahifa Sajjadiyya, and primary sources on early Islamic history. Fellows enjoy priority access and curatorial support.
Mentorship
Each fellow is paired with a senior scholar whose expertise aligns with their research focus. Mentors provide regular guidance, facilitate introductions within the field, and help fellows position their work for publication and wider impact.
Global Network
IARC alumni hold positions at universities, research institutes, and community organizations on five continents. Fellows join a growing network of scholars committed to advancing the study of the Alid tradition in the English-speaking world and beyond.