Background
The SDGs@UofT initiative is an Institutional Strategic Initiative (ISI) that aims to Position U of T as an eminent community of scholars and practitioners leading transformative, transdisciplinary research that empowers positive actions on the SDGs and informs future global goals for an equitable and sustainable future. As part of this initiative, SDGs@UofT seeks to generate knowledge that addresses the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and inform future global goals. The Visiting Scholars Program is designed to bring leading experts, researchers, and practitioners from diverse disciplines and sectors to the University of Toronto to engage with the academic community on critical issues related to the SDGs. Scholars may come from academic institutions or international organizations to share perspectives on topics such as sustainability, equity, and global development with relevance to the SDGs.
This program is offered in collaboration with the Institute for Environment, Conservation, and Sustainability (IECS), a research institute committed to exploring the relationship between human communities and the environment. The IECS supports interdisciplinary and historically grounded research that addresses pressing global issues such as climate change, environmental vulnerable communities, and environmental justice.
Objective
The Visiting Scholars Program aims to facilitate meaningful engagement between scholars and the UofT community by fostering interdisciplinary research collaboration, knowledge exchange, and interdisciplinary dialogue on SDG-related issues. This program seeks to create a dynamic environment where visiting scholars can both share their expertise and gain new insights to advance equitable sustainable development. By fostering interdisciplinary dialogue, reciprocal learning, and diverse knowledges, the program will create opportunities for scholars to contribute innovative ideas that extend beyond the university setting and can enrich global communities.
Activities
Visiting scholars will participate in a range of activities tailored to their research interests and expertise. These may include:
- Delivering public lectures and seminars.
- Collaboration on pedagogical innovations and
- Engaging with UofT undergraduate and graduate students and postdoctoral fellows through discussion sessions including research seminars.
- Contributing to knowledge mobilization efforts through written publications, discussion papers, policy briefs and other knowledge products.
- Exploring opportunities for collaboration with the SDGs Scholars Academy and IECS affiliated faculty members to extend the impact of their research by collaborating with interdisciplinary research teams.
Housing
To support a productive and immersive experience, visiting scholars will have access to short-term housing options. The program is actively exploring partnerships with Massey College and UofT’s faculty housing services to provide accommodation for scholars during their stay.
Timeframe
The Visiting Scholars Program consists of a short-term visit of one month, allowing scholars to maximize engagement while maintaining flexibility. Shorter stays will focus on intensive engagement, collaboration, and networking with faculty and students.
Amenities
Visiting Scholars will have access to a range of university resources, including online databases, library privileges, a temporary library card (T-Card), and wireless services, ensuring they can fully engage in their research and academic activities during their visit.
Visiting Scholars will receive a TCard which provides access to campus facilities, libraries, and other university services. If the visiting scholar is not listed in the University’s Human Resources Information System (HRIS), the host department must apply for a Long-Term Guest UTORid on their behalf.
Stipend
Visiting Scholars are eligible for a stipend that can be negotiated to support their stay while at the University of Toronto.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants may submit their application to visit the University of Toronto if the following eligibility criteria are met:
- The applicant is not paid by the University of Toronto and has obtained their own funding for all expenses related to travel and accommodation.
- The applicant has a full-time faculty position at another university or research institute or global institution and is on short-term leave and plans to return to their home institution at the end of their stay.
International applicants can find more information on how to apply to travel and work in Canada by visiting the Government of Canada’s Immigration and Citizenship website.
Application Process
- To provide flexibility and accommodate evolving research developments, the program employs a rolling application deadline, with the current deadline set for September 2025. The program is scheduled to launch in Fall 2025, with visitors beginning their appointments in 2026. Visiting scholars will be hosted from September through May to ensure optimal engagement.
- Application materials must be sent by the sponsor to the Office of the Vice-President, Research & Innovation (OVPRI) at least 3 months prior to the visiting scholarship start date.
- Applications will first be reviewed by the Director of the IECS, Dr. Imre Szeman, and the Research Director of the SDGs@UofT, Dr. Erica Di Ruggiero, who will jointly make a recommendation. This recommendation will then be submitted to the Vice-Principal Research & Innovation, Dr. Alison Mountz, for final approval.
- Successful applicants will receive an official letter of invitation from the OVPRI.
An application consists of:
- A cover letter, specifying:
- The applicant’s home institutional affiliation and status.
- The start and end dates of the proposed visit; and
- Confirmation that the applicant has funding to support the visit .
- A current curriculum vitae.
- A statement of no more than 1,000 words describing the research the applicant proposes for their visit and the reasons why our setting is appropriate for this research.
- A letter of support from a senior official from their home institution (for example, a department chair, dean, or director).
- Two letters of reference from faculty or senior colleagues at the applicant’s home institution.
Please submit your applications to sdg.admin@utoronto.ca.
If you have any questions about the Visiting Scholars Program, please email sdg.admin@utoronto.ca.