Deadline: September 18, 2026
Applications are open for the SCAR Visiting Scholar Scheme 2026. The core purpose of the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (SCAR) Visiting Scholar Scheme (previously Visiting Professor Scheme) is to build capacity in countries with smaller or less-developed Antarctic research programmes. This will be the primary aspect evaluated and candidates should consider whether their proposed visit fits with these criteria. Visits can be either to smaller and developing programmes or from smaller and developing programmes, so the capacity building process can be proposed in either way.
The scheme was inaugurated in 2013 and it is directed at any scientists and academics (more than five years after completing their PhD) whose work contributes to the research objectives of SCAR, offering the opportunity for them to undertake a short-term visit (from one to four weeks) to a SCAR member country to provide or receive training and mentoring. Awards will provide an international return flight and some contribution towards living expenses for the visiting period.
Benefits
- The Visiting Scholar Scheme provides individual awards of up to USD $5,000.
Eligibility
- The scheme is for any scientists and academics (more than five years after completing their PhD) whose research contributes to SCAR’s objectives, as embodied in the Science Groups, Scientific Research Programmes and Humanities and Social Sciences.
- The host institute must be in or operated by one of the SCAR Member countries and must be a country different from that of (i) the candidate’s current position and (ii) the candidate’s origin (although the latter may be waived at the discretion of the Selection Committee). Visiting Scholarships are awarded purely by competitive selection.
- In order to apply, scientists and academics are required to first contact and liaise with the appropriate host, to secure the support of an organisation or institute undertaking Antarctic research that would benefit from the visit.
- Both the home and host institutes must be willing to take part in the SCAR Visiting Scholar Scheme.
Application
The complete application package consists of:
- Proposal Document – description (maximum one-page) of the proposed visit detailing the intended capacity-building activities.
- The applicant’s CV – maximum 3 pages.
- Online Application – to be completed by the applicant.
Note: the applicant must have the Proposal Document and CV ready to upload (both in PDF format) before starting the application process, and optionally a portrait image to be used when announcing the successful applicants.
For more information, visit SCAR Visiting Scholar Scheme.
