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Visiting Research Fellows Program

Contents

  1. Rationale and Objective
  2. Eligibility and Appointment
  3. Entitlements
  4. Accountabilities and Expected Output
  5. Guidelines for Invitation and Application
    1. Application Form
  6. Screening and Final Invitation Process
  7. Contact Us

Rationale and Objective

The Visiting Research Fellows (VRF) Program is for researchers, in or outside Southeast Asia, conducting studies aligned with priority thrusts in agriculture and rural development. This includes innovations in policy, institutions, society, and technology that support transitions in agriculture.

The program aims to tap the technical expertise and networks of agricultural and rural development practitioners to help improve the lives of Southeast Asian farmers and their families. Fellows collaborate with SEARCA to deliver more relevant and impactful results toward increased farmers’ income; improved food security and nutrition; greater climate resilience of agricultural systems; and empowered farmers, farmer groups, agricultural stakeholders and their institutions.

Eligibility and Appointment

  1. The VRF Program is open to:
    1. Researchers with their own funding, who will manage their resources. They may join by invitation or application.
    2. Researchers without funding but with strong credentials and relevant experience that can significantly contribute to SEARCA's research and reputation. They may be invited to join.
  2. Appointments, issued by the Center Director, will depend on the duration of the proposed activities. Visiting Research Fellows are not considered SEARCA regular employees.

Entitlements

A Visiting Research Fellow will receive:

  • Workspace, office supplies, and access to facilities such as internet, phone, photocopier, and printer;
  • Limited travel funds for meetings in Metro Manila; and
  • Other support as mutually agreed upon.

Accountabilities and Expected Output

A Visiting Research Fellow is expected to:

  • Conduct the approved research within the appointment period;
  • Submit regular progress updates;
  • Produce a publishable output acknowledging SEARCA and other relevant partners; and
  • Present research results in a public seminar at SEARCA or a venue convenient for the target audience.

Guidelines for Invitation and Application

A candidate's suitability for the VRF Program is assessed using the following criteria:

  1. The candidate must:
    • Demonstrate strong research capacity aligned with SEARCA’s priority thrusts to increase farmers' income; improve food security and nutrition; increase climate resilience of agricultural systems; and empower farmers, farmer groups, agricultural stakeholders and their institutions;
    • Have a proven track record of high-quality, publishable research;
    • Be well-established and respected in their field;
    • If institution-affiliated and funded, secure approval from their home institution to apply or accept SEARCA's invitation.
  2. The proposed research must support SEARCA's development agenda and be highly relevant to its programs.

Applications are accepted year-round.

Send completed forms via email to , addressed to:

The Center Director
SEARCA
College, Los Baños
4031 Laguna, Philippines
Email:
Fax: +63 49 536-4105

Application Form

Screening and Final Invitation Process

  1. Researchers invited by SEARCA do not undergo the regular selection process.
  2. Applicants will be screened as follows:
    1. Initial Screening: A committee, led by the Program Head of the Research and Thought Leadership Department, reviews applications based on set criteria and recommends candidates to the SEARCA Directorate.
    2. Final Selection: The Directorate evaluates the recommendations and approves qualified candidates.
  3. Approved applicants will receive an official invitation letter.

Contact Us

For inquiries, email: