Who is a Visiting Fellow?
A Visiting Fellow is a scientifically qualified researcher who carries out scientific studies, research, collaboration and exchange activities within a department of the University of Pisa.
What is the duration of the Visiting Fellows programme?
It can last for a minimum of 1 month to a maximum of 12 months.
What is the procedure to participate in the Visiting Fellows programme?
Visiting Fellows are nominated via an application process or by invitation. In either case, the final decision is subject to approval by the department board.
Benefits
During the Visiting Fellow’s visit period s/he is considered a member of the department. This means s/he can freely use the study and research facilities. The department will provide the Visiting Fellow with an equipped workstation which complies with the University’s work and safety regulations.
The Visiting Fellow will receive temporary credentials to access the University’s internet network as well as an email address, valid for the whole visit period at the department.
The Visiting Fellow can be granted a reimbursment and eventual refund of the expenses which are documented in relation to the travel trip for work, the purpose of which was linked to completing scheduled activities. The refund must make reference to the specific research activites which were carried out as well as education programmes, lessons and seminars previously specified by the scientific representative. The refund can not exceed the amount of €3.000,00 which is the maximum monthly employee rate related to a work trip away.
Italian Language course at the Language Centre (CLi)
Based on availability and on the teaching schedule of the language courses offered by the University’s Language Center (CLi), the Visiting Fellow may be able to take an Italian language course at the discounted rate available to the University of Pisa.
What kind of activity can a Visiting Fellow do?
Throughout the entire duration of the visit period at the University of Pisa, the Visiting Scholar will carry out individual study, research, collaboration and scientific exchange activities as agreed by the scientific representative and as approved by the department. At the end of the visit, the Visiting Fellow is encouraged to present the work carried out in the host department by means of a public lecture or seminar.
May a Visiting Fellow also teach?
During the visit period at the department, the Visiting Fellow can teach certified activities within a degree programme, a doctorate research course and a specialization course. The possibility to carry out teaching activities of any form is subject to the possession of necessary scientific qualifications and in any case must be agreed upon with the scientific representative at the department and with the president of the degree programme or the coordinator of the PhD programme or the director of the Specialisation school.
Entry and Residency in Italy
In order to participate in the Visiting Fellows programme, non-EU citizens (with the exclusion of scholars coming from countries that do not require a visa for stays of less than 90 days) must request a research visa. Since it is not possible to receive a research visa for stays of less than 90 days, the Visiting Fellow is required to contact the Italian diplomatic authorities of the area of residence for further instructions. In this case, a letter of invitation from the university department could be useful. Either way, the final decision will be made by the Italian embassy.
Contacts and Forms
For further information about the Visiting Fellows programme, applicants can consult the International coordinator (CAI) of the host department.
The candidacy and application forms as well as the instructions and procedures for the authorization request for scientific research will be available in the ‘International’ section of the University of Pisa’s website.
Support with the completion of the entry procedures into Italy (visas, residency permits, health insurance and services) is provided by the International promotion unit at international@unipi.it
“Visiting Fellow Programme” – Department of Economics and Management
Our Department has developed additional guidelines available at the following PDF