The Thesiger-oman International Fellowships

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: £16,000 (two fellowships of £8,000 each)
• Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
• Decision Time: Approximately 2-3 months from November deadline
• Grant Range: £8,000 (fixed amount)
• Geographic Focus: International (preference for Middle East and arid regions visited by Sir Wilfred Thesiger)

Contact Details

Administered by: Royal Geographical Society (with IBG)

• Email: grants@rgs.org
• Website: https://www.rgs.org/in-the-field/grants/research-grants/thesiger-oman-fellowships
• Pre-application support: Applicants are encouraged to contact grants@rgs.org with any enquiries before applying

Overview

The Thesiger-Oman International Fellowships were established with the support of the late Sultan Qaboos bin Said al-Said of Oman as a memorial to Sir Wilfred Thesiger, the renowned British explorer who traveled extensively through Arabia and other arid regions in the mid-20th century. Administered by the Royal Geographical Society (with IBG), these fellowships award two grants of £8,000 annually to post-doctoral researchers conducting fieldwork in arid or semi-arid environments. One fellowship is designated for research on the physical aspects of desert environments, and the second for the human dimensions of arid and semi-arid environments. The program is part of the RGS's broader commitment to supporting geographical research, with the Society distributing over £165,000 annually across approximately 75 field research and school fieldwork projects.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

• Thesiger-Oman International Fellowship (Physical Geography): £8,000 - For research on physical aspects of arid and semi-arid environments
• Thesiger-Oman International Fellowship (Human Geography): £8,000 - For research on human dimensions of arid and semi-arid environments

Application method: Email application to grants@rgs.org by fixed annual deadline (23 November)

Priority Areas

• Geographical research involving fieldwork in arid or semi-arid environments
• Physical geography of desert environments (geomorphology, climate, hydrology, sedimentology)
• Human geography of arid regions (pastoralism, nomadic communities, human adaptation to desert environments, cultural anthropology)
• Research in the Middle East and other areas visited by Sir Wilfred Thesiger (Arabia, North Africa, Central Asia, East Africa)
• Projects that advance geographical knowledge and contribute to the field

What They Don't Fund

• Desk-based research without fieldwork component
• Research in non-arid or non-semi-arid environments
• Applicants without at least three years post-doctoral experience
• Non-Fellows/non-Members of the Royal Geographical Society

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Governance and Leadership

The Thesiger-Oman International Fellowships are administered by the Royal Geographical Society (with IBG), the UK's learned society and professional body for geography. Applications are assessed by an external panel of expert reviewers with expertise in arid environments and geographical research.

Recent Award Recipients Include:

• Professor Dawn Chatty (University of Oxford, 2024) - 'Mobile Pastoral Women in Oman Speak', documenting the lives of Harasiis tribe women in Oman
• Professor John Wainwright (Durham University, 2024) - 'Landscapes of Transformation: The Taș Tepeler of Southeast Türkiye'
• Dr Samuel De Canio (King's College London, 2023) - 'Bedouin Civilization Project', interviewing Bedouin in Saudi Arabia
• Professor Kathryn Fitzsimmons (University of Tübingen, 2023) - Assessing sediment mobilisation risk in Central Asian drylands
• Dr Samuel Derbyshire (University of Oxford, 2022) - Visual ethnography of pastoralism and environmental change in Turkana, Kenya

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

1. Arrange References: Two referees must complete reference forms by the deadline
2. Submit: Email application to grants@rgs.org by 23 November deadline

Decision Timeline

• Application Deadline: 23 November (annual)
• Assessment Period: Applications assessed by external expert panel
• Notification: Estimated 2-3 months after deadline (typically early to mid-year)
• Notification Method: Email to applicants

Success Rates

Two fellowships are awarded annually (one for physical geography, one for human geography). The total number of applications received is not publicly disclosed, so precise success rates are not available. However, as specialized fellowships with specific eligibility requirements, they are competitive awards.

Reapplication Policy

The RGS does not publish specific restrictions on reapplication. Unsuccessful applicants should contact grants@rgs.org to discuss feedback and potential reapplication.

Application Success Factors

RGS Grant Assessment Criteria

Applications are evaluated on:

• Contribution to geographical knowledge: Does the research address significant knowledge gaps?
• Project innovation and originality: Is this a novel approach or research question?
• Project feasibility: Is the timeline realistic and achievable?
• Applicant qualifications: Do you have the necessary skills and experience?
• Planning and ethics: Have you adequately addressed health, safety, ethics, environmental, and cultural considerations?
• Budget: Is it reasonable, justified, and detailed?

Advice from the RGS

The Society emphasizes:

• “Provide a balanced overview of the background and rationale”
• “Show that you have an in-depth knowledge of the research topic, methods and study location”
• “Use clear and concise language without jargon”
• “Stick to the word limits and check for poor spelling and grammar”
• “Discuss your project with your referees early and ensure they understand what the grant criteria are”
• “Have colleagues or your supervisor read through your application before you submit”

Recent Successful Projects

Funded research has included:

• Pastoral communities and mobile populations in Oman and Arabia
• Sedimentary research and environmental change in arid regions
• Cultural documentation of Bedouin and nomadic peoples
• Geomorphological studies in Turkey and Central Asia
• Climate change adaptation in dryland environments

Standing Out

• Geographic connection: While open to any arid region globally, preference is given to the Middle East and areas visited by Thesiger (Arabia, East Africa, Central Asia, North Africa)
• Thesiger's legacy: Successful applications often connect to themes explored by Wilfred Thesiger - nomadic peoples, pastoral communities, human adaptation to harsh environments, traditional cultures in arid regions
• Clear fieldwork plan: The fellowship specifically supports fieldwork, so detailed field methodology is essential
• Interdisciplinary approach: Many successful projects bridge physical and human geography or incorporate multiple disciplines
• Cultural sensitivity: Given the regional focus, demonstrated awareness of cultural considerations and local community engagement strengthens applications

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Become an RGS Fellow/Member first: You cannot apply without this membership; plan ahead as this is a prerequisite
• Post-doctoral experience required: Minimum three years post-PhD experience is mandatory
• Fixed award amount: The fellowship is £8,000 (not negotiable), so budget accordingly
• Fieldwork is essential: This is not for desk-based research; demonstrate strong field methodology
• Geographic preference matters: While international applications are welcome, Middle Eastern and Thesiger-related locations have an advantage
• Choose your track: Clearly identify whether your research fits the physical or human geography fellowship
• Annual deadline: November 23rd deadline means one opportunity per year; plan well in advance
• References are critical: Two referee statements required; give referees adequate time and brief them thoroughly on grant criteria

References

1. Royal Geographical Society. “Thesiger-Oman Fellowships.” RGS-IBG. https://www.rgs.org/in-the-field/grants/research-grants/thesiger-oman-fellowships

1. Royal Geographical Society. “Application Process - Guidance for Society Grant Applicants.” RGS-IBG. https://www.rgs.org/in-the-field/grants/guidance-for-society-grant-applicants/application-process

1. Royal Geographical Society. “Apply now for our 2025 grants.” RGS-IBG. https://www.rgs.org/about-us/our-work/latest-news/apply-now-for-our-2025-grants

1. Opportunity Desk. “Thesiger-Oman International Fellowships 2021 for Postdoctoral Researchers (Up to £8,000).” October 7, 2021. https://opportunitydesk.org/2021/10/07/thesiger-oman-international-fellowships-2021/

1. Times Higher Education. “Thesiger-Oman International Fellowships.” THE. https://www.timeshighereducation.com/news/thesiger-oman-international-fellowships/90158.article