Information for Visiting Researchers

Scholars who are not otherwise affiliated with Harvard University may be interested in the various opportunities to study and undertake researching the History of Science under the aegis of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences. All appointments are without stipend.

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The types of visiting appointments in the History of Science include the following:

Visiting Scholar (arranged through a Department faculty sponsor)
Individuals, ordinarily on paid leave from a scholarly post elsewhere,are eligible to apply for Visiting Scholar status in the Department. Individuals may serve in this category, whether full or part time, for a minimum of three months and no more than two years consecutively, but are eligiblefor reappointment after a lapse of years approximating that which separates sabbaticals.  Visiting Scholars carry out their own work in association with a Department faculty member or members.  Applications for VisitingScholar status in the Department of the History of Science must include a curriculum vitae and a brief description of the project to be undertaken during the term for which the individual is applying. The completed application/request is reviewed by the prospective faculty sponsor and, upon approval, is circulated to all faculty for a vote at a Department Faculty meeting.  Please see important information for Visiting Scholars and Post-doctoral Fellowsbelow.

Post-doctoral Fellow: (arranged through a Department faculty sponsor)
An individual who has received her or his doctoral degree recently is eligible to apply for Post-doctoral fellow status to continue her studiesunder the general supervision of one or more Department faculty members. Individuals may serve in this category, whether full or part-time, for a minimum of three months; Post-doctoral Fellow appointments may be renewed up to a total of 36 months.  Applications for Post-doctoral Fellow status in the department of the History of Science must include a curriculum vitae and a brief description of the project to be undertaken during the term for which the individual is applying. The completed application/request is reviewed by the prospective faculty sponsor and, upon approval, is circulated to all faculty for a vote at a Department Faculty meeting.  Please see important information for Visiting Scholars and Post-doctoral Fellows below.

Visiting Fellow (arranged through the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, Special Student/Visiting Fellow Office, Byerly Hall 3rd Floor,8 Garden Street)
Persons holding the doctoral degree (or its equivalent), or those with comparable professional experience, may apply for Visiting Fellow status within Harvard University's Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GSAS).This status is also open to advanced doctoral candidates who have completed all required course work and would like to pursue dissertation research at Harvard. Although Visiting Fellows are sometimes invited by departments or research centers to participate in seminars or other organized activities, they are expected for the most part to pursue their research independently. A Visiting Fellow, therefore, is an independent researcher who occasionally audits a course or two. Visiting Fellows are normally admitted under the auspices of an academic department within GSAS.  For further informationplease consult the information for Visiting Fellows published by the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences.

Special Student  (arranged through the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, Special Student/Visiting Fellow Office, Byerly Hall 3rd Floor,8 Garden Street):
Special Students bring a broad range of experiences and backgrounds to Harvard and their reasons for participating are similarly varied. Some students wish to strengthen their academic background before applying to graduate degree programs; others wish to change the focus of their studies and choose Special Student status as an opportunity to explore new disciplines. Special Student status is also appropriate for individuals seeking personal enrichment or career advancement.  For further information please consult the information for Special Students published by the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences.

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Important information for Visiting Scholars and Post-Doctoral Fellows in the History of Science:

Office/Desk Space
The Department does not offer office space for visiting researchers. Visiting Scholars and Post-doctoral Fellows may apply for a carrel in Widener Library after  they are issued a University I.D. card.

Computers
Visiting Scholars and Post-doctoral Fellows must provide their own computers.

Housing
The Department is not able to provide individual guidance or assistance to research scholars who are seeking housing. The Harvard Housing Office posts listings of locally available apartments and rooms; their services are available to all University I.D. holders.

Health Insurance
Visiting Scholars and Post-doctoral Fellows are eligible to purchase health insurance coverage through the University. Blue Cross/Blue Shield and the University Health Services are currently the plans offered (the minimum enrollment period is three months). Arrangements for health insurance coverage can be made upon the scholars arrival at Harvard.

International Scholars
Visiting Scholars and Post-doctoral Fellows who are not U. S. citizens must obtain a visa to enter the United States and must prove that they have adequate funds to support themselves and any dependents who will be traveling with them for the duration of their visit.  In addition to the other application materials prospective Visiting Scholars and Post-doctoral Fellows who are not U.S. citizens must complete a form for the Harvard International Office.  To allow sufficient time to process visa paperwork, it is recommended that individuals who are not U.S. citizens allow at least three months from the time they formally apply to the Department and the date they expect to enter the U.S. to begin their visit.

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Resources

For information about the following opportunities in the History of Science please contact:

Carole Broadbent
Faculty Assistant and Coordinator for Visiting Researchers:
Phone: (617) 496-4235
Fax (617) 495-3344
Email: cfbroadb@fas.harvard.edu