Foreign Guest Researcher Program

Overview

The Foreign Guest Researcher Program enables foreign national researchers—also referred to as Foreign National Associates—to collaborate directly with NIST staff on research projects that support NIST’s mission.

Foreign Guest Researchers work across NIST laboratories to advance measurement science and emerging technologies through collaborative research. These activities are conducted in partnership with government, research, and academic organizations worldwide and may occur under bilateral Government-to-Government Science and Technology Agreements that provide a framework for scientific exchange in areas of mutual interest and benefit.

Who Can Participate

Foreign researchers with appropriate academic or professional qualifications who have identified a NIST researcher willing to collaborate and sponsor the activity.

Participation Pathways

Foreign Guest Researchers may participate in the program through one of the following arrangements. Participation pathways are determined by the nature of the collaboration, source of financial support, and applicable immigration requirements.

• Support from a Home Institution

  Researchers remain employed and financially supported by their home university, research institution, government laboratory, or employer while conducting collaborative research with NIST.

• Support Through Bilateral Programs or International Organizations

  Participation occurs under bilateral Government-to-Government Science and Technology Agreements or through international organizations and formal exchange programs that support scientific cooperation and exchange in areas of mutual interest and benefit.

• Direct Researcher-to-Researcher Collaboration or Independent Support

  Researchers collaborate directly with a NIST scientist and are supported through independent funding sources, fellowships, grants, or other non-NIST sponsorship. 

J-1 Exchange Visitor Program

NIST works with government, research, and academic organizations around the world and cooperates with counterpart organizations under bilateral science and technology agreements to facilitate international scientific exchange. Visa eligibility and category are determined based on the purpose of the visit, funding source, and length of stay, and are subject to review and approval by NIST and the U.S. Department of State. NIST may provide an allowance to help offset U.S. living expenses.

How to Apply

Individuals interested in becoming a Foreign Guest Researcher or participating in the NIST-sponsored J-1 Exchange Visitor Program should contact the NIST researcher with whom they wish to collaborate. Researcher contact information is available through NIST laboratories and user facilities.

Program Support

If accepted into the program, NIST will assist participants with:

• NIST policies and procedures
• U.S. visa requirements
• Coordination with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and the U.S. Department of State for processing the Exchange Visitor (J-1) visa

Related Programs (Not Part of the Foreign Guest Researcher Program)

The Foreign Guest Researcher Program is distinct from other NIST research participation programs that are administered separately and have different eligibility, appointment, and visa requirements.

Postdoctoral Researcher Program (PREP)
PREP is a cooperative research program between NIST and U.S. universities and colleges that allows students, graduate students, postdocs, and faculty to conduct research in NIST labs while being employed by their home institution. It’s funded through five‑year cooperative agreements with participating universities and provides lab experience and financial support. It’s open to U.S. citizens and to foreign nationals with the appropriate visa.

Related Resources

• NIST Laboratories
• NIST User Facilities
• Exchange Visitor (J-1) Visa Information