Visiting Scholar Program at Brown University

About the opportunity

The Center for Human Rights and Humanitarian Studies (CHRHS) at the Watson School of International and Public Affairs at Brown University welcomes applications for the visiting scholars program. The program is open to academics on sabbatical as well as human rights practitioners who would benefit from a short-term affiliation with CHRHS while working on their own research and writing projects. For Spring and Fall 2027, the center is particularly interested in hosting researchers and practitioners focusing on asylum and immigration rights as well as environmental justice and rights, though scholars in any human rights and humanitarian studies areas are welcome. Visiting scholars devote themselves to their research and participate in the intellectual life of the CHRHS community, including giving a public presentation or workshop.

Funding and benefits

• Opportunity to conduct independent research and writing in an affiliation with Brown University
• Participation in the intellectual life of the CHRHS community, including giving a public presentation or workshop
• Limited shared office space may be available, though not guaranteed

Who can apply?

• Open to academics on sabbatical and human rights practitioners
• Open to both US-based and international scholars and human rights practitioners
• Applicants must have their own funding through an employer, home institution, or external grant
• International scholars may need to obtain an exchange visitor visa (J-1) to enter the United States

Required documents

• Cover letter indicating preferred timing, proposed research project title and short description, and explanation of the necessity of pursuing the project in person at Brown University
• Research proposal (maximum 3 pages) including alignment with Center thematic priorities and qualifications
• Curriculum vitae
• Names and contact information for two references (letters of reference not required at this stage)
• Letter of endorsement from a regular faculty member at Brown who would sponsor and supervise the visit

When to apply

• Applications for Spring 2027 visiting scholars are due November 1, 2026
• Applications for Fall 2027 visiting scholars are due April 1, 2027
• Appointments are possible for a minimum of one month and a maximum of one semester, available only during the academic year (September 1 – May 30)

How to apply

• Prepare all required application materials including the cover letter, research proposal, CV, reference details, and Brown faculty endorsement letter
• Submit the required materials via the official Google Form

Additional information

• Visiting scholar affiliation is a courtesy appointment that carries with it no salary, benefits, or other compensation.
• For more information, contact CHRHS Program Manager Maggie Murphy (maggie_murphy@brown.edu) or CHRHS Director Ieva Jusionyte (ieva_jusionyte@brown.edu).