Deadline: 15-Dec-2025
Applicants are now invited to submit applications for the SCOR Visiting Scholars Program to engage ocean scientists from both developed and developing countries in teaching short courses, as well as offering extended on-site education and mentorship at institutions in developing nations.
The overarching goal of this program is to inspire, motivate, and inform students and faculty at developing institutions while also building new, long-term and sustainable collaborations and capacity. These scholarships are not intended to directly support research, although new collaborative research activities are a desirable outcome of a visit.
The SCOR Visiting Scholars Program is a collaborative effort between SCOR and local host institutions. SCOR provides up to $2,500 for airfare and local expenses for each Scholar, while host institutions typically offer accommodation and may support other local costs.
Participating scientists donate their time and are expected to stay for at least two weeks, with longer stays encouraged depending on visa permissions and host arrangements. Applications are welcome from all regions of the world, and visits can take place any time between February 2026 and December 2026.
Given the program’s competitive nature, the number of awards each year depends on the volume of applications and available funding. The scholarships are open to scientists across all career stages—from early-career researchers to emeritus professors—who have a strong background in teaching and mentoring.
Applicants should possess at least three years of teaching experience, which may include teaching during a degree program. This experience, along with detailed plans for knowledge exchange and mentoring, should be clearly demonstrated in the application.
The SCOR Capacity Development Committee will assess applications based on proposal quality, relevance to knowledge exchange and mentoring, a co-developed work plan, the candidate’s experience and suitability, the host institution’s needs, expected benefits for students and early-career scientists, plans for continued capacity building, and the potential for future research collaborations.
Both the selected Visiting Scholar and the host institution share responsibility for ensuring a successful collaboration. SCOR will assess program effectiveness through post-visit questionnaires for both parties and make necessary improvements based on feedback. In cases where unforeseen circumstances require changes to the approved plans, Scholars can coordinate with SCOR for adjustments.
Upon completion of their term, Visiting Scholars must submit a detailed report to SCOR outlining their experiences, outcomes, recommendations for program improvement, and potential for continued collaboration with the host institution. Scholars will also complete a short questionnaire following their assignments.
The application package must include a completed application form (comprising narrative sections by the applicant and host, and a CV of no more than three pages) along with a letter of endorsement from the host institution’s contact person. The final selection will be announced by 31 January 2026.
Applications for the 2026 SCOR Visiting Scholars Program should be sent by 15 December 2025 (up to 23:59 UTC).
For more information, visit SCOR.