Overview
The SZNet US & Chile Exchange Program supports students and early-career scientists (within 3 years of their most recent degree) from the US and Chile to conduct up to 31 days of independent research at a partner institution in the other country. The program aims to expand research opportunities and foster international collaboration.
We invite scientists based at U.S. and Chilean academic institutions, government agencies, non-profits, industry, and other organizations to host a visiting researcher for a project related to subduction zone geohazards. There are two ways to participate as a host:
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Hosts who already have a specific participant they would like to collaborate with
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Hosts who are open to receiving inquiries from potential participants
Please refer to the details below for information about the application process based on your specific situation.
SZNet will provide participant support for travel, meals, and lodging, with funding available for up to 6 participants through the National Science Foundation AccelNet program (award 2301732).
Applicants not selected for funding are still encouraged to pursue collaborations with potential hosts, including exploring alternative funding opportunities. Hosts interested in supporting participant travel independently are encouraged to contact us at contact@sz4d.org.
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BECOME A HOST
Advance Science Through International Exchange
How it works
Hosts who are open to receiving inquiries from any potential participants
How should I register to become a host?
Please register using the host registration portal. Registrations will remain open through July 2026. Hosts will be added to our website on a rolling basis.
How will applicants find me?
Once you register via the host form, your project will be listed on our website. Applicants can browse the host list and contact you directly to discuss potential projects.
What if multiple applicants reach out to me?
You are welcome to engage with multiple interested applicants and discuss potential projects. You may choose to provide a letter of collaboration to more than one applicant; however, funding is limited and not all applicants may be supported.
How many participants can I host?
If you are able to host more than one participant and intend to provide letters of collaboration to multiple applicants, please indicate the number of participants you can accommodate. We will ensure that no more participants are funded than you can support.
Am I guaranteed to host a participant if I register?
No. Registering as a host does not guarantee placement. However, registering increases visibility and allows interested participants to contact you directly to discuss potential collaborations.
SZNet expects to support up to 6 participants and anticipates more applications than available funding.
While funding is not guaranteed, collaborations are still encouraged, including through alternative funding sources. If you are interested in supporting participant travel independently, please contact us at contact@sz4d.org.
Hosts who already have a specific participant they would like to collaborate with
How should I register to become a host?
You do not need to register. You may work directly with your selected participant to define the research project.
How will the participant apply to work with me?
Applications open in July. Applicants will submit their proposal via the application portal, including the project description, host name, and institution. Please be prepared to provide a letter of collaboration.
How many participants can I host?
If you are able to host more than one participant and intend to provide letters of collaboration to multiple applicants, please indicate the number of participants you can accommodate. We will ensure that no more participants are funded than you can support.
Is the participant I choose guaranteed funding?
No. SZNet expects to support up to 6 participants and anticipates to receive more applications than available funding. While funding is not guaranteed, collaborations between hosts and participants are still encouraged, including through alternative funding sources. If you are interested in supporting participant travel independently, please contact us at contact@sz4d.org.
2026 - 2027 Timeline
May 20 - July 1
Host Registration Period
Hosts without an identified participant can register to be listed on the program website for prospective participants to explore.
Applicants are encouraged to browse the host list and contact potential hosts to begin developing a project.
July 1 - Oct 1
Participant Application Period
Participants can apply to work with a host they have identified from the list below, or can apply to work with a host they already know.
October
Review Period
Participant applications are reviewed by the Exchange Program Subcommittee. Hosts and participant pairs will be notified of the outcome of their application.
Starting Jan 2027
Exchange Period
SZNet will provide funding for lodging, food, and travel for up to 31 days anytime in 2027. 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 to help applicants can make informed decisions.
RESEARCH INTEREST DESCRIPTION
Please provide a brief description of your research interests and the work conducted in your lab or research group. You may also include information about your lab culture, mentorship style, and other relevant details for prospective participants.
Projects may span subduction zone geohazards broadly, including physical sciences, social sciences, education, monitoring, and related fields.
Applicants will use this information to identify potential hosts and develop project ideas. They are strongly encouraged to contact you before applying, as a letter of collaboration is required. Early discussion is recommended to strengthen applications.
PROPOSED HOSTING PERIOD
The exchange can last up to 31 days between January and December 2027. If your availability is limited, please indicate preferred hosting dates to help applicants plan accordingly.
FACILITIES AND RESOURCES
Briefly outline the facilities, equipment, and other resources available to support the visiting scientist' project.
HOUSING
If you have resources that could support hosting a visiting researcher, please let the organizers know. SZNet provides funding for travel, meals, and lodging regardless of institutional support, but this information will help with planning.
PROJECT LANGUAGE
Please list the languages in which you are comfortable conducting research. This helps broaden access for participants from diverse linguistic backgrounds.
KEYWORDS
Please list a few keywords or short phrases describing your research interests. This helps applicants find relevant projects.