How to apply

Applications for 2025 are now open and will close on 31 August 2025.

The complete application package consists of:

  1. Proposal Document – description (maximum one-page) of the proposed visit detailing the intended capacity-building activities.
  2. The applicant’s CV – maximum 3 pages.
  3. 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.

Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

For any queries, please contact the Secretariat

Components of the Award

The Visiting Scholar Scheme provides individual awards of up to USD $5000.

The number of awards given by SCAR will depend on the quality of the applications and the total budget available. The amount of each individual award will take into account local factors. Visiting Scholarships run for a duration of between one to four weeks maximum.

We welcome applications that are planned to be completed virtually, i.e. without a travel element to the proposal, and will continue to work flexibly with awardees where unforeseen circumstances impact the timing of visits.

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.

Purpose of the Visiting Scholar Scheme

When preparing their proposal, candidates must focus on the core purpose of the Visiting Scholar Scheme, which is to build capacity in countries with smaller or less-developed Antarctic research programmes. This will be the primary aspect of the application to be 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 candidate’s career stage will be considered as part of the evaluation process.

Evaluation of Visiting Scholar Applications

The review panel will comprise representatives from the SCAR Capacity Building, Education and Training (CBET) Committee, the SCAR Executive Committee and one or more of the Officers of the SCAR Science Groups or their Alternates. The review panel will evaluate all proposals on their potential to build capacity in countries with smaller or less-developed Antarctic research programmes. This evaluation will also take into consideration factors such as:

  • the research excellence the visit will provide;
  • how the visit ‘fits’ with SCAR’s place in science and research, and with its research directions;
  • how far links have already been established with the proposed host institute;
  • career stage of the candidate.

Completion of Visiting Scholar Scheme

Within one month of the completion of the Visiting Scholarship, the Visiting Scholar must provide a short report that will be published on the SCAR website. Reports should cover the activities carried out and the accomplishments achieved, as well as future plans.

Visiting Scholar Report Template

Documents and Forms

 

Applications for 2025 are now open.