The process for bringing visitors to the Department varies slightly depending on whether they are a Visiting Researcher or a Visiting Student.
Visiting Researchers
Duration: 1 month to 1 year
Academic staff and researchers from any research organisation around the world are welcome to visit Environment and Geography and/or SEI York as a Visiting Researcher. There is no remuneration for this role, but it offers a formal attachment to the Department and access to research facilities such as the library.
We expect visitors to pursue their own independent research and we do not provide or arrange any academic supervision. However, all Visiting Researchers will have an academic host to provide support and guidance during their visit. Potential applicants should be referred to Find an Expert to help them identify and approach an academic host before they apply.
The Visiting Researcher will normally be expected to present a paper at one of our term-time seminars or other events.
Those visiting for more than one term and who wish to collaborate with the University on a regular basis can apply to University Senate to be given an honorary title.
Visiting Students
Duration: Up to 1 month via the Department; up to 1 year via the University
Visiting Students – such as PhD students - can apply via the Department to visit and undertake independent research for up to 1 month. They can apply to attend taught modules in the Department. All Visiting Students will have an academic host to provide support and guidance during their visit. Potential applicants should be referred to Find an Expert to help them identify and approach an academic host before they apply.
If a longer visit is required then potential visitors should apply via the University’s visiting students programme. Tuition fees will be charged if the student is applying independently.
Responsibilities of Academic Hosts
Academic hosts are expected to ensure that Visiting Researchers and Visiting Students are supported during their time with us. Responsibilities include organising desk space and IT equipment, introducing the visitor to the University, and being available to answer queries during their visit.
If your visitor requires an office space and/or access to the building, and/or any IT equipment, please speak to Dave Hay (dave.hay@york.ac.uk). For help setting up an IT account, please email the Admin Manager (environment-hr@york.ac.uk) with your visitor’s title, full name, preferred first name, date of birth, and any further details about their visit. The Admin Manager can also set up an IT account for them. Please complete both of these tasks as far in advance of their start date as possible.
Facilities
The following facilities are provided for Visiting Researchers and Visiting Students:
- A University of York email address and use of University and Department computing facilities, including limited use of printing and photocopying
- Use of the University Library and online journal access
- Admission to most undergraduate and postgraduate lectures and workshops (the academic year runs October to June)
- Copies of course material
- Admission to research seminars and other public events
- Shared office space.
Fees
Bench fees are costs which Visiting Researchers are required to pay to cover the costs that the University will incur in hosting them. The Department charges £250 a month (£3000 a year). This can be funded through grants or by the individual themselves.
Please contact us if the bench fees are not affordable. We may be able to offer reduced fees and the Head of Department makes this decision.
Visiting Researchers will be invoiced on arrival for payment of bench fees.
How to Apply
Applicants should provide:
- A brief letter which states:
- Who their academic host will be
- Why it would be useful for them to spend time at York
- How they intend to pay the bench fees
- Start and end dates for their time at York
- Their plans for finding accommodation
- A research proposal for their time at York (1-2 pages)
- A CV including full name, address, and current academic position (1-2 pages)
- A headed letter of recommendation from their Head of Department or another senior academic who knows them and their work.
If the applicant wishes to be given an honorary title, a second letter of recommendation is required.
Enquiries and applications to visit the Department should be sent to environment-research@york.ac.uk. For SEI York they should be sent to Sarah West (sarah.west@york.ac.uk).
Assessment Process
Applications to visit for up to 1 month will be considered by the Director of Research.
Applications to visit for longer than 1 month will be considered by the Department Management Team (DMT). Applicants will be informed of the outcome as soon as possible after the meeting.
The following criteria will be used in making the decision:
- How well the applicant fits with the Department’s research interests
- The benefits to the Department in terms of research engagement, prestige, and the potential for collaboration
- The strength of the research proposal.
Visas and Accommodation
The Department cannot provide advice on visas. For more information on visa applications, please visit the University's Immigration Advice Service website. If you require a visa to enter the UK it is essential that you seek advice on how to obtain the correct visa to suit the purpose of your visit.
The Department is unable to help with accommodation. Please contact Accommodation Services for more information.