The UN Specialized Agency for Education, Science and Culture invites young people to apply for a Silk Road research grant.
The purpose of the new initiative of UNESCO together with the People’s Republic of China is to mobilize young researchers to further study the common heritage of the Silk Road, whose role is not only as a conductor of trade in goods, but also as a route for the active exchange of cultural values, ideas and knowledge.
The proposed study may cover one or more topics related to the Silk Road heritage science and technology, traditional know-how, literature, art and music, as well as traditional sports and games. It should present new ideas, reveal the role of the Silk Road in the development of intercultural dialogue, regional and international cooperation.
A deeper knowledge of the rich history and common heritage, as well as a better understanding of the mutual influence between peoples and cultures on the Silk Road, could be important for strengthening intercultural dialogue, peace and cooperation.
With this view, UNESCO launched an Interactive Map of Cultural Interactions along the Silk Road in May 2017 to image and illustrate the diversity and specificity of cross-influences along the Silk Road in different regions of the world, having applied the potential of information and communication technologies and multimedia.
Young people under the age of 35 can apply for the grant. They should submit their proposals in English, detailing the research methods and expected results, to the following address silkroadsgrant@unesco.org.
The submitted proposals will be evaluated by a scientific commission, which will be composed of well-known scientists. The deadline for submitting applications is April 18, 2021. The list of grant-holders will be announced at the end of June.
Being a huge historical heritage, today the Silk Road serves as a powerful impetus for the rapprochement of peoples and countries, promotes the establishment of political, trade, economic, cultural and humanitarian ties between them, promotes mutual understanding and cooperation between states and regions.