The United States Embassy in Serbia has announced the commencement of the Fulbright Visiting Scholar Program competition for the 2023-2024 academic year. This non-degree post-doctoral award program is designed for junior and senior researchers, university lecturers, and experts from Serbian academic institutions. The program offers scholars the chance to travel to the U.S. to conduct advanced research or lecture at a university level.
Eligible candidates must currently be affiliated with a higher education institution in Serbia and demonstrate both capacity and commitment to make full use of the program's opportunities. They should also be willing to share their acquired knowledge upon returning home. "The Embassy wants the Fulbright experience to be of value not only to the individual scholar but also to that individual’s home university, including its students and faculty," states the announcement. It adds, "We anticipate that the presence of the Visiting Scholar from Serbia will benefit the U.S. host institution as well."
Applications are invited across various fields, including Agriculture, American Studies, Engineering, Science, Law, Political Science, Public Health, and others. Special encouragement is given for proposals focusing on areas like Agriculture/Agro-business and Global Health due to ongoing global health challenges.
The grant period ranges from three to nine months. Applicants must meet several criteria: they need Serbian citizenship, a Ph.D., proficiency in English, eligibility for a J-1 visa requiring return to Serbia post-grant, and medical clearance.
Certain individuals are not eligible: those wishing permanent U.S. residence or involved in clinical patient contact within medical fields cannot apply. Additionally, candidates with medical degrees may not pursue residencies or internships in the U.S.
The application process requires an online submission through https://apply.iie.org/fvsp2023/, including documents such as a detailed project statement, employment confirmation letter from Serbia-based employers (in English or Serbian), CVs, references, research bibliographies or course syllabi, invitations from U.S. institutions if applicable, and passport biodata pages.
Applications submitted outside this official channel will not be considered. The deadline is October 17, 2022; shortlisted candidates will be interviewed later in November or December with final decisions expected by spring 2023.
For further details about this scholarship opportunity or other exchange programs facilitated by the embassy:
Email inquiries can be sent to BelgradeFulbright@state.gov
Additional information is available at: https://rs.usembassy.gov/education-culture/exchange-programs/