Visiting Scholars

Scholars typically spend a 2-3 months 'sabbatical' at UNU-WIDER. During this time they prepare one or more papers to be considered for publication in the WIDER working paper series, and present a seminar in their field of research.

Selection criteria

Applicants should have a PhD degree in economics or a development-related discipline. A good publication record is an added advantage. Applications from suitably qualified early-career, female, and developing country researchers are particularly encouraged.

We prefer applicants whose research overlaps with our current research programme, but we remain open to proposals on all aspects of development.

Financial assistance

UNU-WIDER provides medical insurance (for medical and hospital services resulting from sickness and accident during your stay at UNU-WIDER), and a monthly stipend of EUR 3,300 as a contribution towards travel, visa, accommodation and other out-of-pocket expenses. 

Visiting scholars may apply for a supplementary grant to cover high travel costs (incl. visa and related travel) for the part exceeding EUR 1,200 (lowest economy class fare) provided that the ticket is paid by the visiting scholar, and no other travel grants are received from another source. The programme does not provide services or cover expenses related to dependents.

Application procedure

UNU-WIDER only receives online applications for the Visiting Scholars Programme once each year. The deadline for submission of applications is 30 September 23:59 UTC+3.

Please note that the link to the online application form will only become active one month prior to the submission deadline (i.e., on 1 September of each year).

Selected applicants will be informed by email of the final decision within eight weeks of the closing deadline. The selected applicants must confirm their decision to take up UNU-WIDER's offer two weeks after being contacted.

If you are interested in participating in this programme you should complete and submit the application form.

As part of your application, you will be asked to upload your curriculum vitae. If you experience problems with uploading this document then it can be emailed to the following address: scholars1(at)wider.unu.edu.

Please note: we do not receive applications by email or post.

Contact

If you have questions about the visiting scholars programme that are not answered on this page, or if you experience any problems with your online application, contact us at the following email address: scholars1@wider.unu.edu

Please note that replies may take up to five working days.