Visiting Researchers

Brown University is a welcoming environment for visiting researchers from outside the United States. Though the Frank Lab cannot always provide funding for visiting researchers, we are happy to host scholars whose research interests are closely aligned with ours.

Once the request to collaborate with our lab is approved by Michael, the visiting researcher should visit this web page to complete the procedures and paperwork necessary for approval. Note that this paperwork must be submitted at least three months in advance to the requested start date!

Specifically, the visiting researcher must either submit the following information to the Lab Manager (preferred), or directly to the Graduate School (less preferred).

• A completed Visiting Research Fellow Appointment Request Form [MUST be submitted directly to the Frank Lab Manager!]
• A completed VRF DS-2019 Request Form [Lori_Wolfe@brown.edu will be email for pickup when ready]
• At least one form of English Language Proficiency Verification
• A copy of the email correspondence with Michael verifying that the visiting researcher was invited to the Visiting Research Fellows program
• A copy of the visiting researcher's passport biographical page
• Proof of financial support
• Proof of a purchased health insurance plan for the entire duration of the VRF appointment

Additionally, the Lab Manager must procure the following information from Michael and the CLPS department chair:

• Signed letters of endorsement [template letter available here]
• Signatures on the completed Visiting Research Fellow Appointment Request Form

Once this information has been gathered, the Lab Manager must submit all documentation to Lori_Wolfe@brown.edu.

The Graduate School will then issue an invitation letter to the visiting researcher. Once the visitor accepts the invitation from the Graduate School, all necessary documentation will be forwarded to the Office of International Student & Scholar Services (OISSS). Once the DS-2019 is ready, OISSS will contact CLPS, which will need to send the DS-2019 documentation to the visiting researcher. This documentation is typically necessary in order to obtain a J-1 visa.

Concurrently, the visiting researcher should be searching for a suitable residency. Because housing in Providence can be somewhat difficult to find on short notice (particularly near Brown's campus), it is recommended that visiting researchers inquire about housing as early as possible. Brown University maintains facilities for visiting scholars, and also maintains a list of third-party off-campus housing options. Personally, I would recommend reaching out on craigslist or to the Brown University Housing Facebook page.