Overview

The Visiting Faculty Program (VFP) offers research opportunities for research teams from academic institutions that are small, historically underrepresented, not well-resourced, or a satellite campus that lacks the resources of the main campus. Institutions that appear on the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)‘s list of highest research activity or higher research activity are not eligible. Additional information about eligibility is available on the DOE website.

Faculty from eligible institutions can apply to conduct research at Argonne National Laboratory or another of the 16 participating DOE laboratories as a way to increase faculty and student research competitiveness. The program is supported by the DOE Office of Science’s Office of Workforce Development for Teachers and Scientists (WDTS).

Appointments are available in the summer for 10 weeks. Applications are solicited annually through the DOE website. Returning VFP participants can apply to participate in a 10-week experience in spring or fall terms. Faculty applicants may invite up to two students (one of whom may be a graduate student) from their home academic institution to join them in this program during the summer term; however, student participation is optional.

A typical experience starts with a brief laboratory and division orientation. During the course of the experience, faculty and student participants will pursue the research project that was proposed in the application with support from Argonne research staff. Opportunities are also available to connect with other Argonne and faculty researchers, as well as attend various Argonne-sponsored events. Research staff may also ask faculty to participate in professional scientific meetings. As part of the program, the faculty participant will be expected to complete pre and post-program surveys, an oral presentation, and a 6 – 8-page research report.