Visiting Scholar Program – Fudan University

Fudan Development Institute (FDDI) welcomes international scholars to apply for the “FDDI Visiting Scholar” program. The program allows scholars to interact with Fudan faculty and help deepen cross-disciplinary academic collaborations.

Eligibility

Applicants must hold foreign nationality and be faculty members or researchers at overseas universities or research institutions. They should have an ongoing research project or topic within their discipline. Research interests may fall into one of the following areas: political science, sociology, economics, public administration, law, history, anthropology, finance, or other social science fields, with priority given to research focusing on State Development Dynamics, Global AI Governance and Global South countries.

Applicants with backgrounds in government, international or non-governmental organizations, renowned enterprises, top think tanks, or media institutions, who also possess strong capabilities in academic communication and science policy research, are also eligible to apply.

Visiting Period

Applicants should be able to arrange their visit to FDDI during the Fall 2026 semester (August 31, 2026 – January 8, 2027), for a duration of 30 to 90 days.

Responsibilities

• Work in the research office for at least three working days per week;
• Actively participate in seminars and events organized by FDDI;
• Deliver at least one lecture/presentation on their research;
• Submit a working paper during their visit. The paper is expected to be published within two years;
• Contribute at least one review essay to FDDI’s internal publication on State Development Dynamics; or
• Publish at least one analytical report on the dissemination platform of the Global AI Innovation Governance Center; or
• Publish at least one analytical report on the Global South research publication series.

Visiting scholars must ensure that any articles submitted or recommended do not involve copyright disputes.

Funding and Support

FDDI will provide visiting scholars with:

• A subsidy for international round-trip economy-class airfare (up to a specified limit);
• A corresponding living allowance:
  • Assistant Professors: 600 RMB/day (pre-tax);
  • Associate Professors: 800 RMB/day (pre-tax);
  • Full Professors: 1200 RMB/day (pre-tax).

Funding under this program is provided on a one-time basis per scholar and cannot be awarded more than once.

The maximum allowances for economy-class airfare are as follows:

• Asia: 8,000 RMB;
• Europe, Oceania, Africa: 12,000 RMB;
• North America, South America: 15,000 RMB.

Additionally, FDDI offers each visiting scholar:

• Free office space (excluding winter and summer holidays);
• Opportunities for field visits;
• Invitations to participate in on-campus lectures and public events;
• Platforms and opportunities for publication in academic journals and Chinese media.

Application Method

Application Materials (in English):

• Application form (see attachment below);
• Resume;
• A high-resolution photo of the applicant with a white background (JPG/JPEG);
• Research proposal (at least 2 pages);
• A recommendation letter from an expert in the applicant's field or from the head of the applicant's institution.

Preference will be given to applicants who already have an invitation from a scholar within Fudan Development Institute, or other departments from Fudan University. If you have already identified a suitable invitee and established contact, please include the invitee's relevant information in your application materials.

Application Deadline: May 24, 2026 (Beijing Time).

Contact: Fudan Development Institute
Email: fdifudan@fudan.edu.cn