The Scientific Committee on Oceanic Research (SCOR) has officially opened applications for the 2027 SCOR Visiting Scholars Program. This initiative supports ocean scientists from both developed and developing nations to share their expertise, teach courses, and provide hands-on mentorship at host institutions across developing countries.
The SCOR Visiting Scholar program bridges capacity gaps in marine science by facilitating direct, on-site knowledge exchange. Visiting Scholars spend a minimum of two weeks at a host institution conducting specialised short courses, workshops, and individualised student mentoring.
Key program highlights include:
- Stipend: Selected scholars receive up to $2,500 USD to offset travel and subsistence costs.
- Duration: Two weeks or longer on-site.
- Focus: Dedicated training, teaching, and capacity building. (Note: While the scholarship does not fund joint research directly, visits frequently lay the groundwork for long-term collaborative partnerships).
For institutions across the Western Indian Ocean (WIO) region, hosting a SCOR Visiting Scholar presents an opportunity to expose undergraduate, postgraduate, and early-career researchers to advanced methodologies, emerging tools, and global scientific networks.
Selection Criteria
Applications will be evaluated by the SCOR Capacity Development Committee based on:
- Quality & Relevance: A clear focus on ocean science knowledge transfer and capacity enhancement.Co-Developed Work Plan: A structured, feasible itinerary designed in close coordination with the host institution.
- Candidate Qualifications: Pedagogical/mentorship track record, language proficiency, and alignment with the host institution’s priority needs.
- Institutional Impact: Clear articulation of institutional need and a realistic estimate of students and early-career scientists reached.
- Sustainability: Concrete plans by the host institution to sustain and build upon the training provided.
- Collaborative Potential: Likelihood of catalysing new research networks, joint initiatives, or institutional linkages.
How to Apply
Interested candidates must prepare a detailed proposal and work plan co-developed with their prospective host institution.
- Application Deadline: 15th December 2026
- Submission: Email your complete application package directly to secretariat@scor-int.org
- Application Details: Find out more about the call on: https://scor-int.org/work/capacity/visiting-scholars/
