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Visiting Researchers Programme
About
At IACA, we value international research cooperation as a means to strengthen our academic environment and contribute to global knowledge exchange. The Visiting Researchers Programme invites scholars and experienced practitioners from around the world to engage with our research community, fostering collaboration in areas aligned with IACA’s mission and supporting the development of innovative anti-corruption knowledge and practice.
The programme is open to professors, postdoctoral researchers, doctoral candidates, and senior professionals or experts as well as young researchers at the beginning of their professional careers, conducting research or analytical work in areas related to anti-corruption, governance, integrity, compliance, and collective action. Visiting researchers may stay at IACA for a period of three to six months. Extensions may be granted subject to mutual agreement, availability of facilities, and continued alignment with IACA’s research priorities. Proposed research should complement IACA’s ongoing projects and thematic focus.
The programme particularly welcomes individuals seeking a dedicated period for research, writing, reflection, or collaborative knowledge exchange within an international and multidisciplinary environment.
Benefits
- become part of an international anti-corruption academic and professional community
- engage in collaborative research projects and analytical activities aligned with IACA’s thematic priorities
- expand their international network and establish professional contacts with scholars and practitioners from diverse regions and disciplines
- identify partners for joint research initiatives and receive peer feedback on academic work
- share research papers, policy analyses, and innovative ideas with IACA’s research community
- submit research outputs for publication in IACA’s Research Paper Series or other institutional publications
- attend academic conferences, seminars, and events organized or supported by IACA
- be considered as guest lecturers, mentors or contributors to IACA’s academic programmes, trainings, or expert discussions
- be considered as speakers at the IACA Annual Conference, webinars and round tables
Focus area
- Integrity and anti-corruption compliance in sport
- Integrity and anti-corruption compliance in the humanitarian aid sector
- Typologies of corruption and related crimes, such as money laundering and financial fraud
- Stolen asset recovery and return
- Evidence-based approaches to corruption measurement and integrity assessment
- Collective action
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
Applicants must submit the following documents via the online application form:
- Motivation letter (max. one page), detailing the relevance of their research to IACA’s work.
- Curriculum vitae, including academic background and professional experience.
- List of publications showcasing relevant research contributions.
- Research project proposal (2-3 pages) outlining the objectives, methodology, and expected outcomes.
- Names and contact details of two referees (senior scholars familiar with the applicant’s work). If shortlisted, referees may be contacted for detailed recommendations.
Good command of English, both written and spoken, is mandatory.
Upon acceptance, IACA would issue an official invitation letter to support visa procedures and external funding applications where required.
FUNDING AND FACILITIES
The Visiting Researchers Programme is generally self-funded or externally funded. Applicants are expected to outline a funding plan covering travel, accommodation, and living expenses.
Selected visiting researchers will be provided with workspace, institutional affiliation, and access to IACA’s research resources and infrastructure. The programme does not provide stipends, salaries, or accommodation, but aims to offer a supportive professional environment for independent research and collaboration.