The Center for Human Rights and Humanitarian Studies (CHRHS) at the Watson School of International and Public Affairs at Brown University is inviting applications for its Visiting Scholar Program 2027.
The programme provides a short-term academic affiliation for scholars and human rights practitioners who want to pursue their own research and writing projects while engaging with the intellectual community at CHRHS.
For Spring and Fall 2027, the Center is particularly interested in applicants whose work focuses on asylum and immigration rights, environmental justice and environmental rights. However, researchers and practitioners working across other areas of human rights and humanitarian studies are also encouraged to apply.
Who Can Apply?
The programme is open to:
- Academics on sabbatical
- Human rights practitioners
- US-based scholars and practitioners
- International scholars and practitioners
Applicants should have a research or writing project that would benefit from a short-term affiliation with Brown University.
Visiting Scholars are expected to devote their time primarily to their own research. They will also have opportunities to participate in the intellectual life of CHRHS, including potentially giving a public presentation or workshop related to their work.
Research Areas
For the 2027 visiting scholar cycle, particular interest is being given to research involving:
- Asylum and immigration rights
- Environmental justice
- Environmental rights
- Human rights
- Humanitarian studies
Applicants working on other relevant human rights or humanitarian topics may also be considered.
A strong application should explain how the proposed research connects with the Center’s thematic priorities and why the project would benefit specifically from being pursued at Brown University.
Duration and Location
Visiting Scholar appointments are available only during the academic year, which runs from September 1 to May 30.
Appointments must last for a minimum of one month and can extend for a maximum of one semester.
The programme is based at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island, United States.
International applicants may need to obtain an exchange visitor J-1 visa to participate in the programme.
Funding and Benefits
The Visiting Scholar Program is an unpaid affiliation. It does not provide a salary, stipend, benefits or other financial compensation.
Visiting Scholars are normally expected to have their own funding through their employer, home institution or an external research grant to cover their expenses.
Limited shared office space may be available, although Brown University does not guarantee office space for visiting scholars.
The main benefit of the programme is therefore the opportunity for a short-term academic affiliation with CHRHS, access to its intellectual community and the opportunity to develop research while engaging with scholars and practitioners working in human rights and humanitarian studies.
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit the following materials through the official online application form:
Cover letter: The letter should state the preferred timing of the visit, provide the title and short description of the proposed research project, and explain why the project needs to be pursued in person at Brown University.
Research proposal: The proposal should explain the project, demonstrate how it fits with CHRHS thematic priorities and outline the applicant’s qualifications. The proposal should not exceed three pages.
Curriculum vitae: Applicants should provide an up-to-date CV detailing their academic, research or professional experience.
Two references: Applicants should provide the names and contact information of two references. Reference letters are not required at the initial application stage.
Brown faculty endorsement: Applicants must obtain a letter of endorsement from a regular Brown University faculty member who would sponsor and supervise the visit if the applicant is selected.
How to Successfully Apply
Applicants should begin by identifying a suitable Brown University faculty member whose expertise aligns with the proposed research. The required faculty endorsement is an important component of the application.
The research proposal should clearly explain the project’s objectives, methodology or research approach, expected contribution and connection to CHRHS priorities.
Applicants should also provide a convincing explanation of why the research needs to be conducted in person at Brown University rather than remotely. This could involve access to relevant academic resources, collaboration, scholarly expertise or other aspects of the Brown research environment.
International applicants should also consider visa requirements and secure sufficient independent funding for the duration of the visit.
Application Deadlines
There are two application deadlines for 2027:
- Spring 2027: November 1, 2026
- Fall 2027: April 1, 2027
Applicants should select the appropriate application period and indicate their preferred timing in the cover letter.
Why This Opportunity Is Valuable
The Brown University Visiting Scholar Program offers academics and human rights practitioners an opportunity to spend a defined period within a major US university while concentrating on an independent research or writing project.
The affiliation can also provide opportunities to exchange ideas with researchers and practitioners, participate in CHRHS activities and share work through a public presentation or workshop.
For international researchers, the programme can provide an opportunity to build academic connections in the United States while advancing research relevant to human rights and humanitarian challenges.
Key Details
Programme: CHRHS Visiting Scholar Program
Institution: Brown University
Centre: Center for Human Rights and Humanitarian Studies
Location: Providence, Rhode Island, USA
Format: In-person affiliation
Eligible applicants: Academics and human rights practitioners
Minimum appointment: One month
Maximum appointment: One semester
Academic year: September 1–May 30
Salary/Stipend: None
Benefits: Academic affiliation and participation in CHRHS intellectual activities; limited shared office space may be available
Spring 2027 deadline: November 1, 2026
Fall 2027 deadline: April 1, 2027
VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY
Interested applicants should review the official Brown University CHRHS Visiting Scholar Program information and prepare all required materials before submitting the online application.
