Skip to main content

Visiting Predoctoral Fellows

As defined by the Office of Research, a visiting predoctoral fellow is an individual who is a current doctoral degree-seeking graduate student from another institution who is studying at Northwestern for a short period for the purpose of working with faculty to learn research techniques or to use specialized facilities. Visiting predoctoral fellows are not employed or paid a salary by Northwestern, nor do they have Northwestern student status. In some cases, a living allowance may be provided. Although not Northwestern employees, Visiting Pre-doctoral Fellows may be supported by sponsored program funds provided by Northwestern to their home institution through a subcontract.

Appointment process

As VPFs are not registered students at Northwestern, The Graduate School does not take responsibility for their funding or appointment. Contact the Office for Research for help in setting up and managing the appointment process. It is also the responsibility of the faculty advisor and the program to see that any visa issues are resolved with the International Office.

VPFs are allowed to sit in on classes if permission is granted by the course director, though the appointment is specifically to conduct independent research. No transcript for any course work will be made.

VPFs are subject to all Northwestern policies and procedures, including but not limited to Northwestern's patent and intellectual property policy, as well as Northwestern research integrity and misconduct procedures.

For more information, see the VPFs page at the Office for Research website.