Visiting Scholars

The University of Louisville values collaboration with external researchers and recognizes the important role Visiting Researchers and Scholars play in advancing our academic and research mission. The University of Louisville values collaboration with external researchers and recognizes the important role Visiting Researchers and Scholars play in advancing our academic and research mission. 

Faculty Sponsors who wish to host Visiting Scholars to participate in research activities at the University must do so in accordance with the University’s Policy Sponsoring Visiting Researchers/Scholars for Research Purposes.

Visiting Scholar Program Requirements 

To support visiting researcher and scholar partnerships—while meeting federal compliance requirements—we’ve established a process to ensure all visitors are appropriately reviewed and disclosed. 

• Visitors conducting research at the University must be registered in accordance with the Visiting Researcher/Scholar Policy and Procedure. The first step in the process is to submit a Visiting Scholar Application. A representative from Research Security will coordinate with UofL Faculty Sponsor to facilitate execution of the University’s Visiting Scholar Agreement.
• International Visitors are subject to a review by the Office of Research Integrity – Division of Research SecurityI) to ensure compliance with U.S. government regulations. If a Visitor or their home institution appears on a federal restricted party list, the University may be limited in its ability to host or collaborate with them.
• Visitors that will participate on research funded by federal agencies or outside sponsors must coordinate with the grants/contracts team to ensure proper disclosure and approval.
• Timely notification is essential to allow the appropriate offices to assess any required screenings or restrictions before the Visitor arrives. 

Visiting Scholar or a Research Volunteer? 

A visiting scholar typically brings specialized knowledge or expertise to a research project based on an advanced degree or significant professional experience. Their role is to contribute intellectually, offering a unique perspective informed by prior academic or professional work. 

A volunteer is often still completing their education or has recently graduated. They have limited hands-on experience and primarily provide general support that requires minimal training. Their participation is usually intended to gain exposure and experience in a research setting. Volunteers still must sign the appropriate paperwork to work on research related projects, or shadow UofL faculty/staff in the workplace - please complete the Research Volunteer Application to start the process.