Visitors and Research Affiliates

CIS welcomes visiting scholars, practitioners, and research affiliates whose work advances rigorous, policy-relevant research and engagement in international affairs.

CIS welcomes visiting scholars, practitioners, and research affiliates whose work advances rigorous, policy-relevant research and engagement in international affairs. We expect that visitors and research affiliates will collaborate and engage with CIS researchers and other members of the MIT community while advancing their research and professional development in international studies.

Each year, CIS will make a few formal affiliations, providing access to its intellectual community, and opportunities to contribute to seminars, workshops, and collaborative research. Visitors and research affiliates also gain access to library resources and IT services, including an MIT email address and network access. Appointments are non-salaried and do not carry teaching responsibilities unless explicitly specified. They are typically granted for periods of up to one year.

Applicants interested in affiliating with the Security Studies Program (SSP) should contact SSP Associate Director Laura Kerwin. Other applicants should follow the guidelines below.

Eligibility and Selection

CIS considers applications from:

Visiting scholars: Faculty members and researchers from universities or research institutions outside MIT who seek a temporary, residential research affiliation at CIS. Visiting scholars are expected to be physically present in Cambridge for the duration of their appointment and to participate actively in the CIS intellectual community.

Visiting practitioners: Senior policymakers, diplomats, development professionals, and other practitioners with substantial international experience who seek a residential affiliation to engage in research, policy dialogue, and programming at CIS.

Research affiliates: Scholars or professionals who collaborate with CIS faculty on a defined research project. Research affiliate appointments do not require physical presence at MIT.

We only consider applications from visitors and affiliates for well-specified projects that require access to MIT credentials. Priority is given to applicants whose interests align closely with ongoing work at CIS. In the selection process, we consider the applicant’s professional accomplishments, the quality of the research proposal and proposed contribution to CIS activities, and the availability of CIS academic hosts.

CIS Academic Host

CIS does not accept “at large” visitors or affiliates. Visitors and research affiliates must be sponsored by a CIS faculty member or a principal research scientist who is willing to serve as an advisor to the proposed research project or other planned activity. Interested candidates are required to contact appropriate faculty members and confirm their willingness to sponsor the affiliation prior to applying. Foreign scholars and practitioners seeking to visit MIT should begin the process at least seven months before the intended start date. Formal invitation letters for Fulbright fellowships must be requested at least one month before the Fulbright application deadline.

Application Process

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. To apply, please complete the Application Form and upload the following materials:

  • A current CV
  • A statement of research plans and proposed activities at CIS (max. 2 pages)
  • A proposed period of affiliation
  • Confirmation of a CIS faculty host’s willingness to host

If you have questions, please contact cis-research@mit.edu.