Visiting Researchers Program

The International Center for the Study of Institutions and Development (ICSID) runs a visiting researchers program that enables researchers to spend a period of time conducting research at our office at the Higher School of Economics in Moscow, Russia. We accept applicants who can make a compelling case for how their presence and work will complement our research projects as well as enhance ICSID’s research profile. A more detailed description of the research directions that ICSID is currently pursuing can be found here. The strongest applications are those that present coherent, feasible research objectives to be pursued during their time in residence.

Since 2004, ICSID and the Institute for Industrial and Market Studies (IIMS) have hosted more than 100 scholars from top universities in the USA, Japan, Germany, Italy, Korea, Switzerland, Australia, and Mongolia. Applicants can learn more about the program by reading interviews with some of our former visiting researchers:  Elizabeth Plantan, Julian Waller and Amanda Zadorian.

Visiting Researchers Program with Scholarship

1. Timing
Visiting Researchers may start at any time during the year, subject to an agreement between each individual researcher and ICSID.
2. Duration
Duration (as a rule) – one or two months
3. Academic Status
Applicants should be in a PhD program or already have a PhD. Researchers early in their career will be given priority.
4. General requirements

• During their stay at ICSID Visiting researchers are expected to prepare a working paper based on an ICSID-related project that will be published in the HSE working papers series.
• Visiting researchers are expected to be affiliated with ICSID in their research project during their stay at the Center, and mention this affiliation in publications that will result from the project.
• Visiting Researchers are expected to present their research findings at the ICSID seminars.

5. Practical Arrangements
Visiting Researchers are provided with office space with access to the HSE electronic library and all the facilities of the Center (printing, copying, etc.). ICSID also provides access to its databases that are needed for the researcher’s project.
6. Accommodation
ICSID can help in finding accommodation at the HSE Guesthouses or hotels in Moscow. Please note that HSE Guesthouse room availability depends on the timing of stay; early requests are appreciated.
7. Funding
ICSID will provide funding sufficient to cover accommodation fee. The scholarship amount depends on the length of stay in Moscow, involvement in ICSID projects and professional status.

Visiting Researchers Program without Scholarship
1. Timing
Visiting Researchers may start at any time during the year, subject to an agreement between each individual researcher and ICSID.
2. Duration
Normal periods of stay range from two weeks to several months.
3. Academic Status
Applicants should be currently enrolled in a MA or PhD program. Scholars who have a PhD are also welcome to apply.
4. Practical Arrangements
Visiting Researchers are provided with office space with access to the HSE electronic library and all the facilities of the Center (printing, copying, etc.). ICSID also provides access to its databases that are needed for the researcher’s project. Visiting Researchers can present their research findings at ICSID seminars to obtain useful feedback from colleagues. Papers presented and discussed at the ICSID seminars may be published in the HSE working papers series.
5. Accommodation
ICSID can help in finding accommodation for researchers at the HSE Guesthouses or hotels during their visit. Please note that HSE Guesthouse room availability depends on the timing of stay; early requests are appreciated.
6. Funding
Travel, accommodation, other research-related expenses are covered by visiting researchers themselves.

How to apply 

Visiting Researchers require a review and selection process; applications are considered for approval throughout the year.

Applications should be sent via e-mail to Valeriya Kotelnikova (vkotelnikova@hse.ru). Applicants will be notified of the Center’s decision within 2-3 weeks following the day of a submission.

Application should include the following:

• A cover letter including your contact details, preferred time of visit, a short summary of the expected contribution of your visit to ICSID and an indication of potential counterpart(s) at ICSID. Scholars focusing on questions related to ongoing ICSID projects will be given priority.
• A five-page summary of your research project that includes a more detailed plan for your visit to ICSID.
• A two-page CV with a list of relevant publications and names of two references included.
• For MA/PhD students: a letter of recommendation from your advisor (sent under separate cover to dszakonyi(at)gwu.edu).