Scholarship Grant for Visiting Chapman University

Chapman University is pleased to announce applications are open for the 2027 Scholar Exchange Program based on the agreement between Chapman University and France’s Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS). This one-for-one exchange of scholars from each institution allows faculty from the CNRS to visit Chapman University during the spring of 2027 (February 1 – May 30, 2027) as a visiting scholar for at least two weeks. For the spring 2027 competition, Chapman will select two (2) scholars from the pool of applicants based on the requirements below. 

Chapman University, located in the heart of Orange County, California, offers traditional undergraduate programs and select pre-professional and graduate programs. Ranked in the top tier of western universities by U.S. News and World Report, Chapman has gained national recognition with its commitment to excellence through research and innovative teaching. More information can be found at https://www.chapman.edu/

Eligibility and Requirements

Applicants are welcome to apply if their research program or scholarly work aligns with a Chapman faculty’s research or scholarly program.

Application materials

• Updated curriculum vitae.
• Name and contact information of Chapman faculty (sponsor) whose research/scholarly program aligns with applicant’s research/scholarly program.
• Letter of Interest (LOI; 2 pages max.) specifying proposed project/activity, its significance/ importance with applicant’s current research area and its alignment with the Chapman sponsor’s research area.
• Outline of the predetermined deliverable (e.g., conference presentation, joint publication – manuscript submitted for publication, grant proposal submitted to external funding agency), and including:
  • Description of the planned support of graduate students through content expertise and/or research methodology workshops.
  • Abstract of a presentation of the scholar’s research to the Chapman community in a public lecture – date and topic to be determined upon arrival on campus.
• Letter from Chapman sponsor agreeing to work with CNRS faculty (see template below).

Send documents as pdf to officeofresearch@chapman.edu using “Chapman Scholarship Grant” as the email subject line.

The deadline for applications is Friday, March 6, 2026, at 12 PM Pacific Time

The amount of the grant, to be charged to Chapman University, is up to 15.000 USD (subject to USA tax regulations, as outlined in the tax treaty between USA and France:

https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-trty/france.pdf). This scholarship is not a salary; funds are intended to cover some of the scholar’s expenses such as costs for travel and lodging. 

Chapman University will not provide housing. We encourage visiting scholar to work with their faculty sponsor on finding an appropriate residence in Orange County. Chapman University will provide the appropriate documentation (DS-2019 and letter of invitation) to obtain a J1 visa. Note: In average it will take up to three weeks to get an appointment at the Paris embassy/consulate to apply for a J1 visa and getting the visa back in the mail another seven days.

Chapman Review Process

A panel comprised of faculty active in research and scholarly/creative activities in areas that are aligned with applicants’ research expertise and chaired by the Vice President of Research & Graduate Education (VPR) will review the applications. The applications will be evaluated across the following criteria:

• Applicant’s background (based on C.V.), alignment of research area with proposed project/activities and significance/importance of proposed project/activity.
• Alignment of proposed project/activity with research/scholarly area of applicant with Chapman faculty (sponsor).
• Feasibility of proposed activity and deliverable within the timeframe of the visiting scholar’s stay at Chapman.
• Potential for future collaboration.
• Support for graduate students’ work.

A decision will be communicated by June 10, 2026, directly to the CNRS applicant.

Review Criteria and Guiding Questions for Applicants and Reviewers

Alignment and Significance/Importance: The LOI argues effectively that the project has the potential to lead to significant contributions to the concepts, theories, methods, technologies, applications, treatments, outcomes, services, and/or preventive interventions that drive the field or discipline.

• Does this project address a scholarly or research problem or gap, or creative endeavor that aligns with one of Chapman University faculty’s research area/program?
• Does the project demonstrate intellectual significance along with a clear and persuasive rationale? Is evidence provided to support how the project is expected to lead to advances in the field?
• Are the project’s goals and objectives clearly articulated, well-reasoned, and adequately supported through conceptual or theoretical frameworks? If hypothesis driven, are hypotheses clearly stated?

Timeline and Deliverables

The LOI outlines a clearly articulated and well-reasoned plan of action.

• Is there a clear work plan for project activities? Is the timeline adequate for achieving the project goals?
• Does the LOI provide a sound dissemination and/or access plan of deliverable(s)?
• Does the LOI adequately describe the project’s future potential value or impact in the field and potential for future collaboration?

• Does the applicant describe meaningful and well-reasoned activities that will support graduate students’ work?

Applicant

The applicant’s C.V. and the LOI provides evidence that the applicant is well-suited to carry out the project.

• Does the applicant demonstrate an emerging/ongoing record of accomplishments that has advanced the field?
• If the applicant has current support for this or a similar project, have they explained how the scholarship visiting grant will enhance the currently funded project?