Overview
This program aims to provide U.S. and Chilean-based students and early career scientists (within 3 years of receiving their last degree) the opportunity to conduct independent research for a month at a scientific institution in the partner country that shares similar research interests and goals. The objective is to offer these individuals opportunities that may not be available at their home institutions and to foster international connections.
To achieve this, SZNet seeks senior scientists at U.S. and Chilean institutions who are willing to host a student or early career scientist. The program is designed to support hosts who have already identified a student they wish to collaborate with, as well as those who are open to receiving inquiries from interested participants with whom they have no prior relationship. Please refer to the details below for information about the application process based on your specific situation.
For hosts interested in hosting any student or early career scientist:
How should register to become a host?
Please register using the form at the top of the page if you want to participate in this program but have not identified an individual to host! Registration will remain open until October 1st, and hosts will be added to our exchange program webpage on a rolling basis.
How will applicants find me?
Once a host registers via the form above, their name, research interests, and other relevant information (see below) will be listed on the SZNet website for potential participants to view. Applicants can then contact hosts they are interested in working with to discuss potential projects.
What if multiple applicants reach out to me?
You are welcome to collaborate with multiple applicants to define projects for their applications. Each applicant must submit a letter of collaboration from you indicating that you have discussed potential projects together.
How many participants can I host?
If you can host multiple participants, please indicate the number on your registration form. We will ensure not to commit to funding more participants than you can accommodate.
Am I guaranteed to host a participant if I register as a host?
SZNet plans to fund 5 participants and expects to receive more applicants than it can fund. However, meaningful collaborations between interested hosts and participants are still possible, even if they do not receive funding from this program.
For hosts who have already identified a student or early career scientist they would like to host:
How should I register to become a host?
If you have already identified an individual you would like to host, then you do not need to register prior to the participant application period. Please work with your desired participant to define their project. Once the participant application opens in October, the applicant must submit a letter of collaboration from you indicating that you have discussed potential projects together.
How will the potential participant apply to work with me?
The student or early career scientist should apply via the applicant portal and will submit the project proposal, host PI name, and institution name at that time. Please be prepared to provide a letter of collaboration to the applicant. For more information on the participant application process, see our applicant information page.
If you can host multiple participants, and are providing letters of collaboration to multiple applicants, please let organizers know how many participants you can commit to hosting. We will ensure not to commit to funding more participants than you can accommodate.
How many participants can I host?
Is the participant I choose to work with guaranteed funding?
SZNet plans to fund 5 participants and expects to receive more applicants than it can fund. However, meaningful collaborations between interested hosts and participants are still possible, even if they do not receive funding from this program.
Timeline
July
-
October 1st
Host Registration Period
Hosts without an identified participant can register to be highlighted on the website prior to the start of the participant application period. Participants should peruse this list periodically and reach out to hosts they would like to work with.
October 1st
-
November 1st
Participant Applications Period
Participants can apply to work a host they have identified from the list below, or can apply to work with a host they already know.
November
2024
Review Period
Participant applications are reviewed by the Student Exchange subcommittee. Hosts and participant pairs will be notified of the outcome of their application.
2025
Exchange Period
SZNet will provide funding for lodging, food, and travel for to 28 days anytime in 2025. SZNet will also provide logistical and administrative support.
Host Project Requirements
Hosts who are proposing projects without a specific visitor in mind should include the following information when registering so that applicants can make informed decisions. The host registration form will request identifying information along with the following:
RESEARCH INTEREST DESCRIPTION: Please provide a brief description of your research interests and the work conducted in your lab or research group. Feel free to include details about lab culture, mentorship style, and other pertinent information for potential exchange participants.
Applicants will use this information to determine which hosts to contact regarding project definition. Past experience shows that applicants who discuss projects with their host prior to completing the application fare better in the review process.
PROPOSED HOSTING PERIOD: Please specify your desired hosting period so that candidates can align this exchange with their calendars.
FACILITIES and RESOURCES: Briefly outline the facilities, equipment, and resources available for the visiting scientist to conduct their project.
HOUSING: If you have resources to facilitate hosting for a potential visitor, please inform the organizers. SZNet will provide participant support for travel, food, and lodging regardless of institutional resources available, but it is helpful for organizers to know about available options.
PROJECT LANGUAGE: This project is open to US and Chilean participants who may speak various languages. Please indicate all languages in which you are able and comfortable conducting research. Providing multiple language options will open this opportunity to student and early career scientists who have not worked in international lab settings.
KEYWORDS: Please provide a few keywords or short phrases that best describe your research interests. This will assist applicants in identifying projects that align closely with their interests.