SCOR Visiting Scholars Program

The scholarships are not intended to conduct joint research, although such research may develop as an outcome of a visit.

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. Local support from host institutions demonstrates institutional commitment to the visit. The participating scientists donate their time and ideally must be onsite for a minimum of two weeks but are encouraged to stay as long as visa requirements allow and hosts are willing to provide accommodation.

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.

Funding Information

• Funding for the program is derived from the U.S. National Science Foundation, national SCOR committees, and crowdfunding.
• The SCOR Visiting Scholars Program is a partnership between SCOR and local hosts. 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.

Selection Criteria

• SCOR’s Capacity Development Committee will review the applications and the proposed work assignments at the host institutions to select the 2024 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.

For more information, visit Scientific Committee on Oceanic Research.