Research Initiatives
CBRL exists as a learned society to promote research in the humanities and social sciences in the countries of the Levant. This is achieved through a combination of:
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research conducted by members of the society and by staff,
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direct sponsorship of research through a number of targeted programmes
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sponsorship and organisation of various workshops and conferences
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the development of a research strategy intended to provide a supportive framework to research and has recently developed a strategy specifically designed for contemporary studies
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coordination with the British Academy’s Middle East and North Africa panel
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developing close institutional and individual links to research institutes and government agencies within the region
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affiliation and facilitation of individuals and projects working in the region. In particular, CBRL operates a simplified system for formal affiliation by British Academy, AHRC and ESRC funded projects.
CBRL has set out a Strategic Research Initiative – Exploring identities in the Levant – which provides an overarching research topic and which lies at the heart of much UK based research in the region is specifically linked to the UK Government Science and Innovation Investment Framework 2004-2014. In addition, there are a number of key research themes where CBRL has in recent years focussed its attention and resources. From 2010 CBRL research will be guided by the following research themes.
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The spread of early humans through the Near East from Africa.
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The origins, development and practice of economic and social strategies in the Middle East from earliest times to the modern day
Long-term landscape, environment and climate change studies, from the past through to predictive models for future developments.
The interface between East and West.
The investigation of multiple identities in the Middle East.
The diachronic and synchronic study of the use of language and the written record in Middle Eastern society
A central tenet of our Strategy is that our academic remit is to resist short-term approaches, and ensure our research is soundly based within regional contexts and is conducted by experts who have over the long-term built up a well-grounded empirical knowledge of the area. As part of our developing strategy we recognise the importance of fine-grained empirical research, and particularly for studies in the contemporary Levant, the importance of language training.