Call for Nominations | President of BRISMES (2026-2029)

BRISMES is seeking nominations for a new President, who will play a leading role in the Society as President-Elect (2026-2027) and subsequently President (2027-2029). Founded in 1973, BRISMES is the largest national academic association in Europe focused on the study of the Middle East and North Africa, and a leading voice for the discipline both within the UK and internationally. Since 2019, the Society has undertaken an extensive process of reform, becoming more diverse and more democratic. We are seeking a President who shares our aims, purpose and values, and who wishes to play an active role in helping to drive forward the work of our growing Society.

About the Role

Term

• 1 year as President-Elect, followed by 2 years as President (non-renewable term). 
• The President serves as one of the four Officers (President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer) and as a Trustee of BRISMES.

Main Purpose of the Role

• Provide strategic leadership for the Society in collaboration with the Officers, Council and staff members. 
• Champion the values and aims of BRISMES, ensuring its long-term sustainability and relevance. 
• Act as an ambassador for the Society, representing BRISMES to members, partners, funders, and the wider public. 
• Support and empower Officers, Trustees, and committees to deliver their work effectively. 

Key Responsibilities

Leadership and Governance

• Chair meetings of the BRISMES Council and the Annual General Meeting. 
• Work with the Officers and Trustees to ensure effective governance and compliance with charity and company law. 
• Provide guidance on strategic priorities and policy direction. 
• Ensure succession planning and the Society’s ongoing institutional sustainability. 

Representation and Advocacy

• Represent BRISMES at major events, including the Annual Lecture and Conference. 
• Advocate for Middle Eastern Studies within the UK higher education and policy sectors. 
• Strengthen BRISMES’ visibility and partnerships with academic, civil society, and policy communities. 

Collaboration and Support

• Work collegially with the Officers and committees to deliver BRISMES’ programme of activities. 
• Support the administrative team and Officers, ensuring roles are clearly delegated and manageable. 
• Engage with members to promote inclusivity, transparency, and participation in the Society’s work. 

Time Commitment

The role is designed to be compatible with a full-time academic position. 

• Attendance at approximately 3–4 Council meetings per year (mostly online but at least 1 meeting in person to coincide with the annual conference). 
• Occasional participation in key events and consultations.
• Regular communication with Officers and staff members by email or online meetings. 

Administrative support will be provided. 

Eligibility

• Must be a current BRISMES member. 
• Must be based at, or recently retired from, a UK academic institution.
• Demonstrated commitment to the aims of BRISMES and to inclusive academic leadership. 

Trustee Responsibilities

As President, the postholder also serves as a Trustee and Director of BRISMES, sharing collective responsibility for the Society’s compliance, prudence, and care in line with Charity Commission guidance.

More Information

All nominees require a proposer and seconder, who must be BRISMES members. It is possible to self-nominate, provided the requirement of a seconder is met. The proposer must provide a biography and a short statement (250 words maximum each) explaining their reasons for nominating the candidate. This information may be circulated to BRISMES members in the event that the candidate is shortlisted. They must also confirm that the person they are nominating has indicated they are willing to serve if elected. 

BRISMES’ Presidential Nominations Committee (composed of Sabiha Allouche, Hanaa Almoaibed, Nicola Pratt, Paola Rivetti and Andrea Teti), which is also empowered to make nominations, will put forward up to 4 candidates in a final shortlist. BRISMES members will select the President in an online vote, from the final shortlist. We anticipate that the election will take place in April 2026. The successful candidate will formally take office at the Society’s Annual General Meeting in early July 2026, but an informal handover period will commence as soon as possible after their election.

Please address any questions to the Chair of the Presidential Nominations Committee, Paola Rivetti: paola.rivetti@dcu.ie.