AAAS Visiting Scholar Program

American Academy of Arts & Sciences Visiting Scholar Program

Please see the AAAS Guidelines for full details.

  OVERVIEW  
The Visiting Scholars Program (VSP) is an interdisciplinary research fellowship housed at the headquarters of the Academy in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Its purpose is to stimulate and support scholarly work by promising scholars and practitioners in the early stages of their careers and to foster exchange between an emerging generation of scholars and Academy members with shared interests.

To accomplish these goals, the Academy offers scholars the opportunity to combine independent research and writing with active involvement in its programs and activities. Visiting scholars are invited to participate in Academy-sponsored conferences, seminars and informal gatherings. They also benefit from institutional partnerships with local universities, libraries, and research institutes in the Boston area. The Academy conducts the Visiting Scholars Program in association with the Harvard Humanities Center, which provides access to the university’s research facilities and works with the Academy to plan joint lectures, seminars, and informal discussions.

A group of 54 academic institutions from across the country have become “University Affiliates” of the Academy, with a special interest in developing and supporting the VSP. A list of our current University Affiliates can be found at https://www.amacad.org/vsp/affiliates.aspx.

   APPLICATION  MATERIALS  
 Applications are available at the Academy's website: www.amacad.org. For further inquiries, contact the Visiting Scholars Office at (phone) 617-576-5002; (fax) 617-576-5050; or by e-mail: vsp@amacad.org.

 ELIGIBILITY 
Preference is given to untenured junior faculty but the program is also open to qualified postdocs. Candidates who are completing scholarly manuscripts are especially welcome. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or have permanent resident status as of the application deadline date and should have completed their Ph.D., J.D, or equivalent professional training within the last 10 years. Graduate student applicants must complete all degree requirements by August 1, 2012.

 TERMS AND STIPENDS 
 One of the goals of the program is to build a community of research scholars in residence; regular attendance at the Academy facilitates this goal. Research trips, interviews, attendance at scholarly meetings or speaking engagements should be limited to no more than twelve days during the fellowship term, and scholars may not accept any teaching appointment or other major commitments during the fellowship. Faculty can receive up to $60,000 (not to exceed one-half of current salary). Postdocs receive an annual stipend of up to $40,000. The Academy provides office space, computer services, library privileges, and assists with information on locating housing. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the Academy require that scholars have health insurance before taking up residency.