Submit Applications for SCOR Visiting Scholars Program

The overarching goal of this program is to inspire, motivate, and inform students and faculty at developing institutions while also building long-term and sustainable collaborations and capacity. These scholarships are not intended to directly support research, although collaborative research may be an outcome of a visit. More than 60 scientists have participated in the program with host institutions in 27 countries.

Awards for these individual scholarships are very competitive and the likelihood of acceptance each year will depend on the number of applications received and available funding. The program has awarded scholarships to scientists at all career levels, from early career scientists to emeritus professors. As the purpose of the program is teaching and mentoring, extensive experience in these areas is strongly preferred. Such experience should be highlighted in the application along with specifics regarding knowledge exchange plans and actions.

Hosting visiting scientists can have many benefits to host institutions, such as inspiring, motivating, and informing students and faculty, and leading to future collaborations between the visiting scientist and the host institution. The program is a partnership, with the host institution providing local accommodation and SCOR paying for airfares and other local expenses, as necessary. The participating scientists donate their time. Applicants should already have selected a host institution, but SCOR may potentially help identify hosts before the application is made.

Funding Information

• SCOR provides up to $2,500 for airfare and local expenses for each Scholar; local hosts often provide local accommodation and may support some other local expenses.

Eligibility Criteria

• This program is open to any scientists who have time available to spend teaching and mentoring in a developing country for two weeks or more. The scholarships are not intended to conduct joint research, although such research may develop as an outcome of a visit.

Selection Criteria

• SCOR’s Capacity Development Committee will review the applications and the proposed work assignments at the host institutions to select the 2025 Scholars. Criteria for selection will include the following:
  • Quality and relevance of the proposal focusing on knowledge exchange and mentoring in the ocean sciences.
  • A detailed working plan for the visit, which should be co-developed with the host institution.
  • Experience of the candidate and fit with the program (language skills, teaching/mentoring experience, subject areas requested by the institution).
  • Needs of the host institution and an estimate of how many students and/or early career scientists will benefit from the training.
  • Plans by the host institution to build upon the training/mentoring received.
  • The potential for new research partnerships or other interactions to be created as a result of the visit.

Application Requirements

• The application package must include:
  • A completed application consisting of three sections:
  • Narrative section completed by the applicant
  • CV section for the applicant, not to exceed 3 pages
  • Narrative section completed by the host
• A letter of endorsement by the contact person at the host institution. The host contact should be copied (email cc) on the application submission.

For more information, visit SCOR.