The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory has a Visiting Scientist Program to expand the scholarly exchange of scientific information in the areas of atomic and molecular physics; infrared, optical, radio, and X-ray astronomy; planetary sciences; geophysics; solar and stellar physics; and theoretical astrophysics. This program annually attracts many international and national visitors. They come for a well-defined scientific purpose which may be to collaborate with a specific individual, to access unique data, or to use specialized facilities.

Visits vary from a few days to several weeks or months, and in some cases up to a year. Stipend support varies with the length of the visit and the amount of support being provided by the visitor's home institution, or by fellowship such as a Guggenheim, NATO, etc.

An overview of the Observatory and its facilities can be found on their webpage. Application to the program is made by directly contacting a member of the research staff to request support. Awards are dependent upon availability of funding.

More information on this program can be obtained from the:

Secretary, Visiting Scientist Program
Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory
60 Garden Street, Mail Stop 47
Cambridge, MA 02138
E-mail: vsp@cfa.harvard.edu
http://sao-www.harvard.edu/cfa/rg/VSProgram.htmll