CARGC Visiting Scholar Paromita Vohra talking at a conference
Center for Advanced Research in Global Communication

Visiting Scholar Program

CARGC offers visiting fellowship positions for a limited number of visiting scholars from institutions other than the University of Pennsylvania whose research aligns with current CARGC research themes.

During their residency at CARGC, visiting scholars develop their own research projects and take an active part in the life of the center by mentoring CARGC fellows and participating in center events and research activities.

We are currently not accepting applications for short-term visits. However, we will still consider applications from visiting scholars who can stay at CARGC for a full semester and provide their own funding. This position is best suited for scholars on funded research grants and sabbatical leaves.

Visiting scholars will be provided with a workspace, temporary Penn ID, library access, and opportunities to attend and participate in formal and informal scholarly events at CARGC, Annenberg, and Penn at large.

Eligibility

  • Visiting scholars are expected to have completed a Ph.D. and be employed at an institution other than the University of Pennsylvania
  • Visiting scholars are required to provide their own funding and health insurance for themselves and any accompanying dependents
  • International visiting scholars will be required to submit the proof of funding as a part of their visa application process.

How to Apply

Please email the following application materials to cargc@asc.upenn.edu by May 31st, if applying for the fall semester, and by August 31st for the spring semester:

  • CV
  • Cover letter outlining the dates you hope to stay at CARGC and describing what you would like to work on during your visit. Scholars applying for a self-funded visiting fellowship must indicate their source of funding while visiting CARGC, e.g. sabbatical pay, scholarship, government funding, personal funds, etc.
  • A 1-page research statement that outlines how your work fits with one or more of CARGC’s research themes.

Expectations

Visiting scholars at CARGC are expected to:

  • Hold office hours to facilitate mentorship opportunities for CARGC doctoral and postdoctoral fellows
  • Hold an informal hour-long lunch workshop for the CARGC community (fellows, staff, and affiliates)
  • Work with CARGC’s Senior Research Manager to discuss opportunities for recording an episode of the CARGC Global Media & Communication podcast and/or getting involved in other ongoing research projects at CARGC
  • Attend public and internal CARGC events that may overlap with the visit.

Thoughts From CARGC Visiting Scholars

Samhita Sunya (CARGC Visiting Scholar, Fall 2025):

"I treasure my time as a Visiting Fellow in such a supportive and collaborative environment. I remain profoundly indebted to CARGC’s leadership, staff, fellows, and affiliates for the ideas, creative projects, new directions, and friendships that developed over the course of my semester there. Thank you so much."

Adrienne Shaw (CARGC Visiting Scholar, AY 2024-2025):

"Although only a short commute from my own university, being able to spend a year as a visiting scholar at CARGC allowed me the space to think and engage with my work in new and different ways. The vibrant and interdisciplinary intellectual community, friendly atmosphere, and formal and informal discussions were a welcome respite from an ongoing tumultuous time in higher education. I hope to continue the conversations and collaborations moving forward."

Anastasia Kavada (CARGC Visiting Scholar, Spring 2025):

"I am very grateful to CARGC for this fellowship and for the time I got to spend at the centre. CARGC offered an enriching and nurturing research environment that allowed me to write, reflect, and engage in discussions about my work. I attended fascinating events, presented my research in two workshops, and had one-to-one meetings with diverse scholars. CARGC is a haven for critical and engaged research. Its convivial atmosphere and collaborative research culture are truly inspiring. I hope that the fellowship will lead to further opportunities for exchange and collaboration with CARGC and its members."