The British Society for Middle Eastern Studies (BRISMES) has announced a call for nominations for four vacancies on its Council for the 2026–2029 term. The Council plays a central governance role in guiding the strategic direction, academic activities, and institutional development of the organisation. BRISMES is a leading academic association in Europe dedicated to the study of the Middle East and North Africa, with a strong focus on supporting research, academic freedom, and scholarly exchange. About BRISMES and Its Mission Founded in 1973, BRISMES is the largest national academic society in Europe dedicated to Middle Eastern studies. It operates as a registered charity and a company limited by guarantee in England and Wales. The organisation’s key activities include: Promoting research and teaching in Middle Eastern and North African studies Supporting academic freedom and intellectual exchange Organising annual conferences and scholarly events Providing support for early career researchers Expanding public engagement and outreach initiatives BRISMES is governed by an elected Council composed of Officers and Council Members drawn from its membership. Role of Council Members Council Members serve as trustees and directors of the organisation. They hold collective responsibility for ensuring that BRISMES operates effectively, ethically, and in accordance with its charitable objectives. Their responsibilities include: Ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory obligations Overseeing the strategic direction of the Society Supporting the financial stability and governance of BRISMES Representing the organisation within academic and professional contexts Council Members play a key role in shaping the long-term vision of the organisation and ensuring its continued relevance in the academic community. Key Responsibilities Members of the Council are expected to contribute actively to the governance and development of BRISMES. Core responsibilities include: Attending and participating in Council meetings (3–4 per year) Contributing to strategic planning and organisational development Representing BRISMES at academic and professional events Encouraging membership growth and engagement Serving on at least one subcommittee, such as: Finance Communications Prizes, Awards & Scholarships Membership Public Outreach & Pedagogy Supporting additional initiatives as required by Council Council members also engage regularly with fellow trustees, officers, and staff through ongoing communication and collaborative work. Time Commitment and Working Structure The role is designed to be compatible with full-time academic employment. Most meetings and activities are conducted online, with at least one in-person meeting aligned with the annual conference. Expected commitments include: 3–4 Council meetings per year Regular email and online collaboration Subcommittee participation (virtual meetings) Attendance at the annual conference and AGM (recommended) Administrative support is provided to assist Council members in their duties. Eligibility Criteria To be eligible for nomination, candidates must: Be a current member of British Society for Middle Eastern Studies Demonstrate commitment to the organisation’s aims and values Be willing to serve in a trustee and governance capacity Nominations are welcomed from a broad range of applicants, including: Academics at all career stages Individuals based outside the United Kingdom Professionals not currently employed within universities BRISMES particularly encourages nominations from underrepresented groups within both the organisation and UK academia. Trustee Responsibilities As Council Members also serve as trustees and directors, they share legal responsibility for: Ensuring financial accountability and sustainability Upholding governance standards required by the Charity Commission Safeguarding the organisation’s integrity and public benefit mission Ensuring prudent and responsible decision-making This governance role is central to maintaining BRISMES as a stable and impactful academic organisation. Nomination Process Each BRISMES member may nominate one candidate for Council membership. The nomination process requires formal endorsement. Key requirements include: A proposer and a seconder for each nomination Agreement from the nominee prior to submission All parties (proposer, seconder, nominee) must be BRISMES members A 250-word biographical summary of the nominee submitted by the proposer If an election is required, voting will be conducted online via secret ballot among members. Timeline and Deadline Nomination deadline: Monday 11 May 2026 (midnight UK time) Term of office: June 2026 to June 2029 Submission method: Online nomination form Late or incomplete nominations will not be considered. Governance and Organisational Context British Society for Middle Eastern Studies is governed by a Council structure that ensures democratic participation, transparency, and accountability. The Council works closely with staff and committees to deliver a wide range of academic and outreach activities. Subcommittees support specialised areas of work, including: Academic prizes and scholarships Public engagement and pedagogy Membership development Communications and outreach Financial oversight Conclusion The call for nominations to the BRISMES Council represents an opportunity for scholars and professionals in Middle Eastern studies to contribute directly to the governance and strategic direction of a leading academic organisation. Council membership combines academic service, institutional leadership, and responsibility for advancing research and dialogue in the field. By joining the Council, members play a key role in strengthening academic networks, supporting early career researchers, and promoting informed engagement with Middle Eastern studies globally. VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Twitter, LinkedIn and WPChannel Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering this fellowship. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.