Engage with IGS’s vibrant interdisciplinary research community
We’re currently accepting applications for the 2026-2027 academic year through January 15, 2026, with review and decisions after that date.
The Institute for Global Sustainability (IGS) at Boston University invites applications to its Visiting Researcher program. The program’s purpose is to enhance the IGS research agenda and interdisciplinary collaborations. There are two different tracks of this program:
- Visiting Researchers supported by home institutions: Highly motivated scholars from around the world with well-conceived projects to conduct self-supported scholarly activity under the guidance of or in collaboration with IGS. Eligible candidates are PhDs working in academia at the level of postdoctoral fellow or professor and doctoral-level professionals conducting research in their field. Graduate students, including PhD students, are not currently eligible for the program. Applications for the 2026-2027 academic year are being accepted through January 15, 2026, with review and decisions after that date.
- Visiting Researchers supported by an IGS partner organization: Individuals connected to IGS via a formal partnership agreement such as a Master’s Agreement, grant, or Statement of Work. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.
Visiting Researchers have the opportunity to engage in a vibrant interdisciplinary research community. IGS convenes 100 faculty across all Boston University schools and colleges focused on climate and sustainability. IGS research areas include planetary and environmental health, climate governance and sustainability transitions, and energy systems of the future. Cross-cutting approaches are equity and justice, robust data science, and real-world impact.
Visiting Researchers are provided with shared office space at IGS and access to Boston University libraries. They are also invited to regularly participate in IGS events, team activities, and other opportunities across campus, as well as to present their research on campus.
How to Apply
Application Process and Selection Criteria
For Visiting Researchers supported by home institutions, applications are accepted once per year. For the 2026-2027 academic year, we are seeking 2-3 Visiting Researchers. Appointments are for a minimum of six months, with typical appointments ranging from 6 to 12 months, with the potential for renewal. Applications are due on January 15, 2026, for the 2026-2027 academic year. Please note visa processes can take up to 3 months to complete.
For Visiting Researchers supported by an IGS partner organization, applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.
In reviewing the applications, we consider each applicant’s education and experience, scholarly/professional achievements, alignment of research topics with that of IGS, merit of the proposal, other institutional affiliations, and English language skills.
An IGS core or affiliated faculty member must be available to supervise ongoing work, collaborate on the proposed project, or otherwise engage with the Visiting Researcher during their visit. Applicants are encouraged to initiate contact with appropriate faculty members in advance of submitting their application to confirm the nature and scope of the collaboration, as well as the specifics of the Visiting Researcher’s project before applying. View the list of IGS core and affiliated faculty.
Applicants should prepare the following materials:
- An updated résumé or curriculum vitae
- Two recent representative publications or writing samples, in electronic format, submitted in English and/or as published in a foreign language with an accompanying English translation
- A description of the proposed project, including a statement explaining why IGS is an appropriate setting for the work
- A brief letter of support from an IGS Associate Director, IGS core faculty, or IGS affiliated faculty agreeing to serve as a mentor/collaborator
- A letter of recommendation from an academic colleague or supervisor from the visiting researcher’s home institution
All application materials, letters of recommendation, and inquiries should be submitted to igsops@bu.edu.
Funding Information and Fees
For Visiting Researchers supported by home institutions, those institutions cover a desk fee of $1,000 per month to the Institute.
Visiting Researchers are expected to arrange for their own funding to cover transportation, housing, and other expenses incurred during the period of affiliation. Most visitors are supported by funding sources from their home countries or through sabbatical leave salaries from their home institutions. IGS does not provide financial aid, stipends, or housing subsidies to Visiting Researchers.
Given the cost of living in the Boston area, applicants should carefully plan their housing and other living expenses. Information about Boston’s various neighborhoods can be found at BU’s Getting to Know Your Neighborhood guide.
Visas
Applicants accepted to the program will be provided with information about visas and other important details, should they require visa sponsorship. They will also be asked by BU’s International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO) to supply requested paperwork to support their visa applications, including financial documentation and English language proficiency. Documents must be originals, in English.
Financial documents must certify US dollar financial sufficiency to cover expenses during their stay in the US. Minimum funding requirements can be found on the ISSO website.
English language proficiency can be demonstrated through a recognized language test such as TOEFL or IELTS; documentation from an academic institution; zoom interview; or other means.
