In a significant gathering that celebrated academic excellence, the Arab Center for Research and Policy Studies concluded its tenth forum for social and human sciences in Doha, which took place from April 12 to April 15, 2025. The event culminated in a ceremony honoring the winners of the "Arab Prize for Encouraging Research in Social and Human Sciences." This prestigious award aims to promote innovative research addressing the evolving challenges faced by Arab societies.
The ceremony featured notable attendees, including Lolwah bint Rashid Al-Khater, the Minister of Education and Higher Education, and Dr. Azmi Bishara, the General Manager of the Arab Center and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Doha Institute for Graduate Studies. Their presence underscored the importance of academic pursuits in the region.
During the event, Dr. Abd al-Wahab al-Afandi, the head of the prize committee, announced the winners of this year's award. The recipients included Mahjoub Kawgo for her research titled "Social Media and Electronic Surveillance: An Anthropological Study of Digital Life Trajectories," Nadim Mansouri for his work "Tribalism and Social Practices in the Digital Society: A Socio-Digital Reading," and Youssef Zidam for his research "Ethics, Politics, and Social Media: A Study in the Ethical Responsibility Frameworks for Political Interaction and its Limits." Each winner was recognized for their outstanding contributions to the field.
This competitive prize, established by the Arab Center in 2011, aims to encourage Arab researchers to engage in scientific inquiry related to pressing ethical issues and societal transformations within the Arab world. Since its inception, the prize has recognized the efforts of approximately 54 researchers from various parts of the Arab world, highlighting the center's commitment to fostering scholarly excellence.
In a bid to further enhance the prize's reach, the Arab Center integrated the award process with the research submissions for the forum starting in 2017, allowing researchers to submit their work for consideration during the conference. This initiative has led to a more streamlined selection process, ensuring that the most impactful research is acknowledged.
Each winner of the Arab Prize receives a comprehensive package of rewards, including a certificate of recognition, a financial incentive of $10,000 to support their ongoing research, and a research grant of $40,000 to aid in the development of the winning study or to propose a new research project.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, Dr. Azmi Bishara announced the topic for the upcoming eleventh session of the forum and the Arab Prize, which will focus on "Social and Human Sciences and Artificial Intelligence in the Arab World." He called upon researchers to contribute to this next session, with details about submission guidelines and reference papers to be announced soon on the center's website and social media platforms.
This forward-looking theme reflects the growing importance of artificial intelligence in shaping social dynamics and research methodologies in the Arab region. The integration of AI into social sciences presents new opportunities and challenges, prompting researchers to explore its implications for society.
The Arab Center's commitment to promoting research in social and human sciences is evident in its ongoing efforts to engage scholars and practitioners in meaningful dialogues about the complexities of contemporary Arab societies. By facilitating these discussions, the center aims to inspire innovative solutions to the challenges faced by the region.
As the Arab Prize continues to evolve, it stands as a testament to the dedication of researchers who strive to contribute valuable insights into the social fabric of the Arab world. The recognition of their work not only honors their individual achievements but also serves to elevate the discourse surrounding social and human sciences in the region.
This year's winners exemplify the caliber of research being conducted across the Arab world, addressing critical issues that resonate with the experiences of many. Their studies not only contribute to academic knowledge but also have the potential to influence policy and societal change.
With the Arab Center's continued support, researchers are encouraged to explore uncharted territories within the realm of social and human sciences. The upcoming forum promises to be an exciting platform for presenting new ideas and fostering collaborations that can drive progress in understanding the intricate dynamics of Arab societies.
In a world increasingly shaped by digital interactions and technological advancements, the intersection of social sciences and artificial intelligence will likely become a pivotal area of exploration for scholars. The Arab Center's initiative to focus on this theme in the next forum highlights its responsiveness to contemporary trends and challenges.
The Arab Prize for Encouraging Research in Social and Human Sciences not only rewards individual excellence but also cultivates a vibrant community of researchers dedicated to addressing the complexities of their societies. As the Arab Center prepares for its next forum, the anticipation builds for the innovative research that will emerge, shaping the future of social and human sciences in the Arab world.
