Visiting Scholar Programme
A 3–6 month residency for mid-career academics and practitioners to contribute to the Forum's research while pursuing their own scholarly work within GDEF's thematic pillars.
About the Programme
The Visiting Scholar Programme invites established academics and practitioners to engage directly with the Forum's research agenda. Visiting Scholars contribute their disciplinary expertise to ongoing projects while benefiting from access to the Forum's multistakeholder network and interdisciplinary environment.
The programme is designed for individuals whose research interests align with GDEF's thematic pillars and who seek to connect their academic work with the practical governance challenges of the digital economy. Scholars are expected to produce at least one research output during their residency, whether a working paper, policy brief, or contribution to a Forum publication.
What Visiting Scholars Do
Collaborative Research
Work alongside Forum researchers and Council Members on active projects, bringing your expertise to bear on governance questions spanning regulation, finance, and technology.
Independent Scholarship
Pursue your own research agenda within the Forum's thematic scope, with access to the Forum's network and resources to enrich your work.
Knowledge Sharing
Present your research to the Forum community through seminars, working group meetings, and expert dialogues — receiving feedback from a diverse, multistakeholder audience.
Publication
Produce at least one research output during your residency — a working paper, policy brief, or co-authored contribution — published through the Forum's channels.
Research Areas
Visiting Scholars are affiliated with one of the Forum's three Working Groups:
Regulation & Policy
Digital Governance · Data Privacy · Cross-border Regulation · AI Policy
Finance & Economy
Digital Currencies · Fintech · Financial Inclusion · Digital Trade
Technology & Transformation
Artificial Intelligence · Blockchain · Quantum Computing · Digital Infrastructure
Eligibility
- PhD or equivalent terminal degree in a relevant field (public policy, economics, law, computer science, political science, or related disciplines)
- Active research agenda with demonstrated publications in digital economy governance or related topics
- At least 5 years of post-doctoral or equivalent professional experience
- Institutional affiliation (university, research institute, or equivalent)
- Fluency in English
- Ability to commit to the agreed residency period (3–6 months)
Programme Details
What GDEF Provides
- Access to the Forum's network of Council Members, researchers, and institutional partners
- Mentorship from senior researchers and working group leads
- Opportunity to publish through GDEF's research channels
- Participation in Forum convenings, expert seminars, and working group meetings
- Institutional affiliation with GDEF for the duration of the residency
How to Apply
The Visiting Scholar Programme accepts applications on a rolling basis. Interested candidates should submit the following materials to [email protected]:
- Curriculum vitae (CV) including a list of publications
- A research proposal (2–3 pages) describing your intended project and its alignment with GDEF's thematic pillars
- A letter of support from your home institution confirming your availability for the proposed residency period
- Contact details for two academic references