Visiting Scientist Program (VSP) - Air Force Office of Scientific Research
The Visiting Scientist Program (VSP) enables Air Force scientists and engineers to conduct research at U.S. non-government labs, fostering collaboration and skill exchange.
Funder: Air Force Office of Scientific Research
Due Dates: Ongoing (applications accepted year-round)
Funding Amounts: Covers all TDY (travel and per diem) costs for up to 179 days; salary remains paid by the participant’s home Air Force organization
Summary: Enables Air Force scientists and engineers to conduct full-time research at U.S. non-government labs, fostering collaboration and skill exchange.
Key Information: Only open to current Air Force scientists and engineers; not available to external academic researchers.
Description
The Visiting Scientist Program (VSP) is designed to provide outstanding Air Force scientists and engineers (AF S&Es) with the opportunity to conduct full-time research at non-government laboratories within the United States for up to 179 days. The program is intended to foster professional collaboration, access to unique research facilities, and the transfer of new skills and knowledge back to the participant’s home Air Force organization. VSP aims to deepen research relationships, broaden the scientific and technical perspectives of Air Force personnel, and support the Air Force’s science and technology mission.
VSP visits may be continuous or split into non-contiguous periods as appropriate. All temporary duty (TDY) costs—including travel and per diem—are covered by the Air Force Office of Scientific Research (AFOSR), while the participant’s salary and other employment costs remain the responsibility of their home organization.
