(Call for applications for the 2026 spring semester)

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

1.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 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.

2.Visiting Period

Applicants must be able to arrange a visit to China lasting between 30 and 90 days during the spring semester of 2026. The specific visiting period is from March 16, 2026, to June 30, 2026.

3.Responsibilities

Visiting scholars are required to:

l  Work in the research office for at least three working days per week;

l  Actively participate in seminars and events organized by FDDI;

l  Deliver at least one lecture/presentation on their research;

l  Submit a working paper and submit it during their visit. The paper is expected to be published within two years;

l  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.

4.Funding and Support

Fudan Development Institute will reimburse visiting scholars for round-trip international economy class airfare up to a certain limit, and provide 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). This program provides funding for a scholar only once and cannot be applied for multiple times.

The maximum Economy Class allowances are as follows:

Additionally, FDDI offers each visiting scholar free office space (excluding winter and summer holidays), and invites visiting scholars to participate in on-campus lectures and public events. FDDI will also provide platforms and opportunities for publication in academic journals and Chinese media.

5.Application Method

Application Materials (in English): Application form (see attachment) , resume, a high-resolution photo of the applicant (JPEG or PNG), research plan (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 be sure to include the invitee's relevant information in your application materials.

The deadline for applications for the program (spring semester) is January 31, 2026.

Contact Information

Contact: Fudan Development Institute

Email: fdifudan@fudan.edu.cn

Application Form for Fudan Development Institute Visiting Scholar Program-Year 2026.xlsx