Apply for a visit the ISSI Visiting Scientist programme

Visiting Scientists are offered office space, accommodation, and financial support to spend between one week and two months at ISSI, in order to pursue research projects in Space or Earth sciences. Visits are carried out in collaboration with ISSI researchers, other visiting scientists, and/or researchers at nearby institutions.

Before submitting an application, candidates must obtain a recommendation from an ISSI researcher or from a researcher at a nearby institution. This recommendation should be sent to the ISSI Science Programme Manager before the application deadline.

Applications to the ISSI Visiting Scientist Programme must be submitted via the form below, and applicants are strongly encouraged to consult the detailed eligibility criteria beforehand. Enquiries regarding the programme or application process may be addressed to Dr Sabina Raducan, ISSI Science Programme Manager.

The outcome of the selection process will be communicated a few weeks after the quarterly submission deadlines of 1 March, 1 June, 1 September, and 1 December.

As the number of Visiting Scientists hosted at any given time is limited, applicants are advised to apply at least three months before their intended start date.

Who can Apply?

The ISSI Visiting Scientist programme is open to individual scientists, who wish to conduct research in any of the following fields: Astrophysics, Heliophysics, Planetary Science, or Earth Sciences.

ISSI promotes inclusivity and equal opportunity, welcoming applicants from all nationalities and institutional affiliations. Early-career scientists are especially encouraged to apply, but should include a support statement from their advisor.

Project Requirements

Research projects submitted to the ISSI Visiting Scientist Programme must involve the analysis of data from space-based observatories and/or space missions. Prior to submitting an application, applicants must have either pre-approval from the ISSI Directorate or a recommendation from ISSI staff or from researchers at nearby institutions; any such recommendations must be communicated to the ISSI Directorate in advance of the application deadline.

ISSI support for Visiting Scientists

ISSI provides Visiting Scientists with office space, accommodation, and financial support in form of a per diem. The cost of travel to/from Bern must be covered by the successful applicants.

Application Form

ISSI Visitor Application

Title

First Name *

Last Name *

Current affiliation

Country *

Country of your host institution

Email address *

Proposed Research

Project Title

Description of Research Project

Summarise the background, objectives, timeliness and expected outcomes/deliverables of your planned work, including any synergies with other ISSI activities. (max. 600 words)

ISSI added value

What are the unique attributes of ISSI that will benefit your planned work? (max. 150 words)

Name of the ISSI staff contact and/or other local collaborator(s)

For collaborator(s) outside ISSI: please specify their affiliation.

Are you/have you been involved in an ISSI activity?

Name of the activity/event

E.g., International Team membership, Workshops, Working Groups, Forums, etc.

How did you hear about the Visiting Scientist programme?

CV (optionally, append a support letter) *

Maximum file size: 2.1MB

PDF, max 10 MB

Comments

Have you used AI to generate or enhance parts of this application?

Yes

Estimated percentage of AI-generated text in application

Estimated percentage of AI-enhanced text in application

Logistics

Proposed dates of your stay at ISSI

Arrival Date

Departure Date