Workshop on

“Information Technology (IT) applied  to the Development of Social Sciences in the Arab World”

Tunis,21 – 24  January 2008

             Cycle 4            

The Middle East Research Competition (MERC) is pleased to announce a workshop on “Information Technology (IT) and the Development of Social Sciences in the Arab World” to be held in January 2008 in Tunis.

The workshop, scheduled to run for a week, will be divided into two main components. The first is an overview of the state of information technology in the Arab World as it relates to social sciences. The second are practical and training sessions to provide participants with hands on experience on how to use SPSS

I. The state of social science and information technology in the Arab world

- Reality and potentials of information technology in the Arab world:

Comparisons will be drawn with other regions and countries of the world. Successful disciplinary experiences undertaken by educational and/or governmental institutions as well as individuals will also be reviewed.

- Social sciences and electronic publishing:

This will include electronic dissemination such as periodicals and social science journals, personal websites, and daily papers.

- IT and research in social science:

How to use internet resources to obtain information? This includes written, audio visual and image sources of information, as well as video films and statistics. It also presents other means of gathering information using various search engines as well as the use of messengers and chatting, both with individuals and with groups; how to use email to circulate questionnaires and how to post questionnaires on specialized sites, thus reducing time and costs of research.

- Social sciences and the importance of studying public and virtual spaces on the internet:

Virtual communities are a new phenomenon that represents different areas such as sports, arts, women and politics.

- Challenges to the use of information technology by social scientists:

This includes economic, political and social impediments.

II. Training component:

-Different social science software: SPSS - TROPES

-Electronic tools in social sciences

-How to prepare your thesis using electronic resources

-Defining your research problem through ‘key’ words

-How to use Acrobat Reader

-Research from a distance: how to manage a research team on the internet

-Dissemination of research on line/off line

-How to find journals and periodicals

-How to publish in peer-reviewed journals

Eligibility criteria:

A minimum of Masters degree in any social science discipline is required

Required documents:

-Detailed curriculum vitae indicating evidence of previous research experience

-Endorsement letter from applicant’s employer confirming the relevance of the proposed training to the institution’s research interests and activities.

-Copies of degrees from an accredited university or equivalent institution

Workshop logistics:

MERC will cover travel, accommodation and subsistence expenses during the training period for a limited number of short-listed candidates. Preference will be given to applicants based in educational and research institutions. Other successful candidates will be strongly encouraged to approach other donor organizations or sponsors.

Workshop language:

Arabic is the main language used. Knowledge of English and French is an asset

Application deadline: Applications and supporting documents should reach MERC secretariat not later than 15 November 2007. Electronic submissions will be accepted as long as supporting documents are sent by mail by the deadline indicated above.

Applications should be sent to:

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