RTI University Scholars Program

The RTI University Scholars Program provides support for distinguished academic researchers to spend scholarly leave time at RTI, actively collaborating with our experts. The goal of the program is to foster collaboration and catalyze opportunities for externally funded, joint projects in the future.

We welcome applications from academic faculty members with strong research records in all our practice areas, but may identify priority areas for a given academic year.

We encourage applications from minorities and women.

2019-2020 Academic Year

For the 2019-2020 academic year, the program is open to faculty from Duke University and the University of North Carolina’s sixteen university campuses. 

Funding and Guidelines

Scholars take pre-approved leave from their home institutions and partner with a host researcher at RTI. RTI and the home institution each fund half of the Scholar’s salary. Benefits and employment status remain at the Scholar’s home institution.

Scholars must commit to working at RTI for the course of their residency.

Applicants need not have had previous interactions with RTI, but should list possible host researchers, if known.

Application and Selection Process

Applicants should review the information for applicants homepage for applicants, and submit application materials via the online application portal. Applications for the 2019-2020 academic year are due January 10, 2019. 

Submissions are reviewed by a joint panel of RTI and university partner representatives. Major considerations in the evaluation process are the likelihood that the period of residence will result in collaborative work of significance and alignment with our mission and priorities.

Notifications

Notifications are sent in March, after which arrangements for leave funding are made with successful applicants' home institutions.