Summer Visiting Program for Astronomers at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics (CfA)

The importance of mobility of scientists for their careers is unquestionable. However, for researchers from economically developing countries, visiting a world-renowned institution is something they can only dream of, not because of lack of talent or ambition, but because of lack of opportunities and gateways. We propose a pilot program in which astronomers from economically developing countries can apply to spend a month in the summer at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics (CfA). Scientists from economically developing countries worldwide can apply for this opportunity. In their application, they have to present a work plan and outline the benefits of their visit for the continuation of their career and the development of astronomy back in their home country. In a pilot program, two visiting scientists will be selected for the summer of 2015. We foresee mutual benefit from such a visiting program for both the visiting scientist and the CfA scientists and staff, who will have the opportunity to learn from the visitors about the status of astronomy in their countries. From such visits lasting collaborations can grow that open up increasing exchange in knowledge, contribution to education (e.g., workshops/schools later organized in the country of the visitor), and increased integration, all high priorities for the International Astronomical Union and its Office of Astronomy for Development.