Middle East Studies Association (often referred to as MESA) is a learned society, and according to its website, "a non-profit association that fosters the study of the Middle East, promotes high standards of scholarship and teaching, and encourages public understanding of the region and its peoples through programs, publications and services that enhance education, further intellectual exchange, recognize professional distinction, and defend academic freedom".

"[6][7][better source needed] In mid-March 2022, MESA voted by a margin of 787 to 167 to join the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement to hold Israel to account for alleged human rights abuses against the Palestinians.

MESA policy has established the focus of RoMES as the state of the craft in all fields of Middle East studies.

Through CAF, MESA monitors infringements on academic freedom on the Middle East and North Africa worldwide.

In 1984 the award was named for Malcolm H. Kerr to honor his significant contributions to Middle East studies.