Since 2016, Fudan University has offered the Fudan Scholar Program, which welcomes outstanding scholars from overseas to Shanghai, for on-campus academic exchange with Fudan colleagues. Similar to the Fudan Development Institute Visiting Scholar Program, yet distinct in being open to researchers in any discipline, not just the social sciences, the Fudan Scholar Program accepts around 50 scholars annually, from various backgrounds in the sciences, engineering, medicine and humanities. Divided into 3 levels, i.e., Honorary Fudan Scholar, Distinguished Fudan Scholar, and Fudan Scholar, the program provides an excellent environment for scholarly research.

Eligibility

Applicants must be citizens of a foreign country and proficient in the working languages to interact with the Fudan community, where Chinese and English are spoken primarily. Scholars with the following backgrounds are encouraged to participate:
(1) Recipients of top international awards (such as the Nobel Prize, Turing Award, Fields Medal, etc.) will be directly admitted;
(2) Academicians from various countries (or regions) or scholars with equivalent honorary academic titles will be directly admitted;
(3) Full-time tenured professors with endowed chairs in higher education or research institutions are eligible to apply;
(4) Full-time tenured professors with outstanding research capabilities, active academic output, and an ongoing research project or program are eligible to apply.
* The program only sponsors one scholar once and reapply is not permitted.

Responsibilities

Fudan Scholars are required to visit Fudan University in person for a duration not exceeding 90 days. Scholars in categories (1) and (2) should visit for about 10 days, while scholars in categories (3) and (4) should visit for more than 30 days. Prior to their visit, scholars should purchase hospitality and accident insurance for their stay in China.

During their visit, scholars are encouraged to deliver lectures, workshops, seminars, etc., and participate in other academic activities at the university. Scholars are also encouraged to publish papers in the name of Fudan Scholar.

Funding and Support

Scholars in categories (1), (2) and (3) will be reimbursed for the full cost of business class airfare, while scholars in category (4) will be reimbursed for the full cost of economy class airfare. In addition, each scholar will receive a daily living allowance of RMB 1,500 (before tax). The hosting department will assist scholars in securing suitable accommodation and offices, and provide access to academic resources and organize academic exchange activities.

How to apply

This program follows an invitation-only system, whereby prospective scholars will be recommended by their respective departments and then assessed by a university-level review committee.
Applicants must have a suitable hosting department on campus. Application materials including application form, CV and visiting statement will be sent by the host to the committee via e-mail to fudanscholar@fudan.edu.cn.
The application period for the program is currently open from July to September, with a second period beginning in December 2024 for applicants seeking visits in 2024 and 2025. The committee assures immediate feedback via email.

Contact Information

Office of Global Partnerships,
E-mail: fudanscholar@fudan.edu.cn
Phone:+86-021-55664470.

Faculty are welcome to request support from Justin O'Jack (UVA China Office, Director) who will be happy to contact Fudan University's Foreign Affairs Office, in order to identify a willing department sponsor on their behalf.