Following the publication of our policy report, “How do we transform health in Syria? Five policy proposals.”, Syria Development Centre invites researchers, policy professionals, clinicians, academics, and students to submit thoughtful policy responses that engage critically with the paper.

Rather than simply agreeing or disagreeing with its conclusions, contributors are encouraged to challenge assumptions, identify gaps, strengthen the analysis, and propose practical alternatives that can help shape future policy discussions on health reform in Syria.

This initiative aims to foster policy dialogue and create opportunities for researchers and practitioners to contribute directly to the discourse.

What are we looking for?

We welcome submissions that:

• Critically assess the arguments presented in the paper.

• Identify gaps, weaknesses, or overlooked issues.

• Offer policy alternatives.

• Present practical recommendations for health reform in Syria.

• Contribute to the second edition of the policy paper.

Submission Guidelines

• Format: Policy article or analytical essay.

• Language: Arabic or English.

• Suggested length: 2,000 - 3,000 words (The more concise the better)

Recognition

Outstanding contributors will receive:

🥇 First Prize: USD 400

🥈 Second Prize: USD 200

🥉 Third Prize: USD 100

In addition, selected contributors will have the opportunity to:

• Publish their work through the Syria Development Centre.

• Contribute to the second edition of the policy paper.

• Participate in upcoming policy roundtables and panels.

• Be considered for the upcoming Syria Development Centre internship and fellowship programmes.

Evaluation

Submissions will be reviewed by the Research and Policy Team at the Syria Development Centre.

Assessment will consider:

• Originality of analysis.

• Critical engagement with the discussion paper.

• Quality and feasibility of policy recommendations.

• Use of evidence and analytical rigour.

• Clarity and coherence of writing.

Eligibility

The Policy Challenge is open to all interested contributors.

Priority will be given to young researchers and policy professionals, as well as contributors based inside Syria.

Next Steps

📅 15th of August 2026
Submission deadline

📋 15th of September 2026
Evaluation of contributions

🗣️ Mid-October 2026
Policy Roundtable

Shortlisted contributors will be invited to a Policy Roundtable bringing together researchers, practitioners, and members of the Syria Development Centre's Health Practice and Research and Policy Team to discuss key findings, critiques, and recommendations.

🏆 November 2026
Announcement of winners and incorporation of thinking into the second edition of the policy report.

The second edition of "How do we transform health in Syria?” will incorporate selected insights, recommendations, and perspectives generated through the Policy Challenge and Policy Roundtable.

About the Policy Challenge Series

The Syria Development Centre Policy Challenges are an ongoing initiative designed to transform policy publications into platforms for critical thinking, and  knowledge production.

Each challenge culminates in a policy roundtable and a revised edition of the publication, ensuring that dialogue contributes to stronger and more credible policy recommendations.

Beyond each challenge, the initiative seeks to build a growing network of researchers and policy professionals who will contribute to future publications, policy dialogues, internships, and fellowships undertaken by the Syria Development Centre.