Mentoring for Egyptian and Sudanese Authors (MESA)

A scheme supporting Egyptian and Sudanese researchers to be published in the Journal of Egyptian Archaeology.

What is MESA?

Since 1914, the Journal of Egyptian Archaeology has been at the forefront of Egyptological scholarship and publication and offered researchers the opportunity to present their work to peers. In recognition of the need to provide greater access to our growing numbers of colleagues and research partners in Egypt and Sudan, the JEA has included Arabic abstracts with each article since 2014. In order to address the persistent geographic inequality in published Egyptological scholarship, the EES launched the Mentoring for Egyptian and Sudanese Authors (MESA) scheme in 2020.

The aim of the scheme is for Egyptian and Sudanese authors to benefit from consultations with renowned international experts in respective topics, supporting them in their scientific achievements and output, while also reflecting the global networks of Egyptological research today.

How does MESA work?

MESA supports authors who submit papers to the JEA which peer reviewers identify as promising a valuable contribution to scholarly debate, while also needing substantial input in terms of scientific rigour, academic writing, or related aspects. Authors will be offered to enter a pool of potential mentees, from which up to four per year will be selected for inclusion in the scheme.

Chosen authors will be paired with experienced mentors who will support them in developing and revising their papers for publication. The scheme will offer an honorarium to the mentors (not the mentees) in recognition of the time and resources when papers have been accepted for publication in the JEA.

The scheme is not open for application. Potential participants will be identified by the JEA’s editorial team during the peer review process. The author’s participation in the mentoring scheme will be acknowledged in the eventual publication in the JEA. The mentors will also normally be acknowledged.

Guidelines for MESA mentees and mentors

Become a MESA mentor

If you feel that you want to support this scheme by becoming a mentor, please contact the JEA’s Editor-in-Chief, Dr Claudia Naeser.

Support MESA

This initiative is funded thanks to the generosity of our Patron Giving Circle and replaces the earlier Patrons’ Awards. The scheme comes as part of the EES’ continuing efforts to support and promote Egypt’s cultural heritage and empower the global Egyptological community.  

If you would like to support MESA, then please consider joining our Patron Giving Circle.