Stanford Research: Open To External Students?

Stanford University occasionally invites students from other academic institutions to participate in university-sponsored research activities. These students are not enrolled in any Stanford degree programs and are identified as non-matriculated student researchers. There are two types of visiting student researchers: Undergraduate Visiting Researcher Interns (UVRIs) and Visiting Student Researchers (VSRs). UVRIs are sponsored by schools and departments and work under a faculty member in a Stanford research lab or research project. The internship is only valid during the Summer Quarter, starting as early as June 1 and ending no later than August 31. On the other hand, VSRs are graduate students currently enrolled at another university who are visiting Stanford to conduct research under the supervision of a Stanford faculty member. VSR appointments can last between one to twelve months and do not need to begin at the start of an academic quarter.

Undergraduate Visiting Researcher Interns (UVRI)

Stanford University occasionally invites students from other academic institutions to participate in university-sponsored research activities. These students are classified as non-matriculated student researchers and are not enrolled in any Stanford degree programs. One such classification is Undergraduate Visiting Researcher Interns (UVRIs).

Eligibility

To be eligible for a UVRI position, a student must be invited by a Stanford faculty member and currently enrolled and matriculating in a bachelor’s-level degree program for at least two years at an accredited U.S. college or university, or an international college or university of recognized standing. Additionally, they must be qualified to conduct research at a level comparable to that of Stanford undergraduates, and the research must benefit both Stanford and the student's academic career.

Timing

UVRI internships are sponsored by schools and departments and are only valid during the Summer Quarter. They can begin as early as June 1 and cannot exceed August 31.

Specifics

Specifics about the duties of a particular UVRI internship are determined by the sponsor and provided when the sponsor invites the student to the position.

Fees, Responsibilities, and Privileges

For more information about fees, responsibilities, and privileges for UVRIs, visit the Inside Student Services website.

Visiting Student Researchers (VSR)

Stanford University occasionally invites students from other academic institutions to participate in university-sponsored research activities. These students are classified as non-matriculated student researchers and are not enrolled in any Stanford degree programs. Visiting Student Researchers (VSRs) are students who are currently enrolled in a graduate degree program at another university but are visiting Stanford to conduct research under the supervision of a Stanford faculty member. They are appointed as non-matriculated graduate students.

Eligibility

To be eligible for a VSR position, a student must be invited by a Stanford faculty member and enrolled in a graduate degree program at another university. The research conducted by the VSR must benefit Stanford and be in a field of interest to the sponsoring faculty member. Additionally, VSRs must be qualified to conduct research at a level comparable to that of Stanford graduate students.

Appointment and Duration

VSR appointments are initiated by the faculty sponsor using a Letter of Invitation, which must include a description of the research to be conducted and be signed by both the faculty sponsor and the department chair. The appointment duration can range from one to twelve months and does not need to align with the start of an academic quarter. Extensions may be requested for up to three months with the appropriate approvals.

Fees and Financial Support

VSRs are charged a monthly fee, the quarterly Campus Health Services Fee, and Cardinal Care student health insurance unless they have comparable coverage. The host department is not required to provide financial support, and VSRs are not eligible for research or teaching assistantships or university scholarships. However, the department may choose to pay the VSR fees or provide a stipend for living expenses.

Rights and Responsibilities

VSRs are subject to the same rules and regulations as Stanford graduate students, including intellectual property agreements, the Honor Code, and required safety training. They are entitled to receive a student photo identification card, which grants them entry and borrowing privileges from the library and use of recreational facilities. They are also eligible for graduate housing, although their priority is lower than matriculated students.

Eligibility criteria for non-matriculated student researchers

Stanford University occasionally invites students from other academic institutions to participate in university-sponsored research activities. These students are classified as non-matriculated student researchers and are not enrolled in any Stanford degree programs.

Undergraduate Visiting Researcher Interns (UVRIs)

To be eligible for a position as an Undergraduate Visiting Researcher Intern (UVRI), a student must be invited by a Stanford faculty member and currently enrolled in a bachelor’s-level degree program for at least two years at an accredited U.S. or international college or university. They must also be qualified to conduct research at a level comparable to that of Stanford undergraduates, and the research must benefit both Stanford and the student's academic career. The internship is only valid during the Summer Quarter, starting as early as June 1 and ending no later than August 31.

Visiting Student Researchers (VSRs)

A Visiting Student Researcher (VSR) is a student currently enrolled in a graduate degree program at another university who visits Stanford to conduct research under the supervision of a Stanford faculty member. VSRs are appointed as non-matriculated graduate students and their appointments are valid for up to one calendar year.

To be eligible, VSRs must be qualified to conduct research at a level comparable to that of other Stanford graduate students, and the research must benefit both Stanford and the VSR. Any Stanford faculty member in any department may sponsor a VSR, but they must ensure that resources are not diverted from matriculated Stanford students. The sponsoring faculty member and the department chair must sign the letter of invitation, assuming responsibility for the VSR.

VSRs are subject to the same rules and regulations as all Stanford graduate students, including intellectual property requirements, the Honor Code, and required safety training. They are also eligible for certain privileges, such as a student photo identification card, computer accounts, and subsidized housing (although they have lower priority than matriculated students).

Benefits of Stanford's collaborative research culture

Stanford University has a rich history of academic excellence, and at the heart of its success is a culture of collaboration. Stanford's collaborative research culture brings together diverse talents and perspectives, driving innovation and groundbreaking discoveries across various disciplines. This culture offers numerous benefits to the university, its students, and the wider academic community.

Interdisciplinary Collaboration

Stanford's collaborative research culture breaks down the barriers between different fields of study. The university's 15 independent labs, centers, and institutes actively engage faculty and students from diverse academic backgrounds, fostering a vibrant interdisciplinary research environment. This approach encourages the exchange of ideas and knowledge between various disciplines, leading to innovative solutions and a deeper understanding of complex issues.

Access to Resources and Expertise

Collaboration provides students and faculty members alike with access to a broader range of resources and expertise. By working together, researchers can leverage the collective knowledge, skills, and facilities of multiple departments, institutes, and even other universities. This access to diverse resources enhances the quality and impact of the research conducted.

Skill Development and Mentorship

Stanford's collaborative research environment offers students the opportunity to develop valuable skills by working alongside renowned faculty members. Assisting a professor with their research project allows students to learn new techniques, gain insight into the research process, and build critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. This mentorship also helps students determine their research interests and fosters their growth as independent researchers.

Enhanced Research Opportunities

The culture of collaboration at Stanford extends beyond its campus. The university occasionally invites students from other academic institutions to participate in university-sponsored research activities as non-matriculated student researchers. These visiting students bring fresh perspectives and contribute to the diversity of ideas, enriching the research experience for all involved. Similarly, Stanford students can benefit from research opportunities at other universities, expanding their academic horizons.

Knowledge Creation and Impact

Ultimately, Stanford's collaborative research culture is focused on creating and sharing knowledge. By bringing together diverse talents, ideas, and resources, this culture enables the university to drive innovative discoveries in areas vital to our world, our health, and our intellectual life. This collaborative approach ensures that research outcomes have a broader impact, benefiting not just the university but also the wider academic community and society as a whole.

In conclusion, Stanford's collaborative research culture fosters a dynamic and enriching academic environment. Through interdisciplinary collaboration, access to diverse resources, skill development, and mentorship opportunities, students and faculty members alike are empowered to pursue groundbreaking research with far-reaching impact. This culture of collaboration is a key driver of Stanford's academic excellence and its reputation as a leader in innovative discovery.

Application process for visiting student researchers

Stanford University occasionally invites students from other academic institutions to participate in university-sponsored research activities. These students are not enrolled in any Stanford degree programs and are identified as non-matriculated student researchers.

Visiting Student Researchers (VSRs)

Stanford faculty can, in limited instances, allow a student who is currently enrolled in a graduate degree program at another university to visit Stanford to conduct research under the supervision of a Stanford faculty member. These students are known as Visiting Student Researchers (VSRs) and are appointed as non-matriculated graduate students.

VSRs are distinct from Visiting Scholars, who must hold a Ph.D. or be a recognised expert in their field. VSRs are also distinct from Undergraduate Visiting Research Interns (UVRIs), who are undergraduates working under a faculty member in a Stanford research lab or research project during the Summer Quarter only.

Any Stanford faculty member in any department may sponsor a VSR. The sponsoring faculty member and the department chair must sign the letter of invitation and assume responsibility for the VSR. The faculty director of an interdisciplinary program or research centre that is sponsoring a VSR may sign instead of a department chair.

Application Process

Sponsorship of a VSR is initiated by the faculty sponsor using the Letter of Invitation for Visiting Student Researchers provided by the Office of the Registrar. The letter template can be modified but must include the information listed on the Inside Student Services website. The letter of invitation must include a description of the research the VSR will conduct and must be signed by both the faculty sponsor and the department chair.

Once the student receives the signed letter of invitation, they must submit the required application materials listed in the invitation letter to their sponsoring department. The department is responsible for submitting completed application materials at least 45 days before the anticipated VSR appointment start date, following the process described on the Inside Student Services website.

The department is responsible for answering any questions the VSR applicant may have about fees, visas, ID cards, housing, or other issues related to the VSR appointment.

VSR Appointment and Fees

Any visiting graduate student who will be participating in research at Stanford for 31 or more days must be appointed into non-matriculated student status as a VSR. Any visiting graduate student participating in research at Stanford for 30 days or less is not required to be appointed as a VSR but can opt for this status if they require the rights and privileges outlined in Section 5. VSR Responsibilities and Rights.

VSRs will be charged a monthly VSR fee, the quarterly Campus Health Services Fee, and, unless they have comparable coverage with another carrier, Cardinal Care student health insurance. VSRs must remain current in their payments to the University to maintain their VSR status.

VSR appointments can be for one to twelve months and do not need to begin at the start of an academic quarter. An extension of up to three months can be requested by the sponsoring faculty, with department chair approval, if the student is in good academic and financial standing with their home university and with Stanford. Any subsequent or longer extension requires a statement describing a compelling reason for the extension, for review and approval of the Office of the Vice Provost of Graduate Education.

Frequently asked questions