UC Berkeley CSLS Visiting Scholars Program 2027

Contexte

The University of California, Berkeley Center for the Study of Law and Society (CSLS) is accepting applications for its Visiting Scholars Program for the 2027–2028 academic year. The program welcomes established researchers whose work examines legal institutions, legal processes, legal change, and the social consequences of law. The CSLS Visiting Scholars Program provides researchers with an opportunity to spend an academic period at UC Berkeley and engage with a multidisciplinary community of socio-legal scholars. The Center is closely affiliated with Berkeley Law and brings together researchers working across sociology of law, political science, criminal justice, law and economics, legal history, law and psychology, legal philosophy, and related disciplines. Visiting scholars can participate in the Center’s intellectual activities while developing research projects that connect with CSLS’s areas of scholarly interest.

Missions et responsabilités

• Participate in the Center’s intellectual activities while developing research projects that connect with CSLS’s areas of scholarly interest.
• Propose research or study that is of mutual interest to CSLS faculty and addresses at least one of the Center’s three principal research themes: Criminal justice, Inequality, Democracy and civil society.
• Describe the empirical dimensions of the proposed research where applicable.
• Participate effectively in CSLS activities and engage with an international academic community.

Profil recherché

• Applicants normally must hold a PhD or JD, or a foreign equivalent.
• Prospective applicants should review UC Berkeley’s broader Visiting Scholar and Visiting Student Researcher requirements (the CSLS generally does not accept Visiting Student Researchers).
• Applicants must demonstrate that their proposed research or study aligns with the Center’s academic interests and identify the period they wish to spend in residence.
• Applicants must have sufficient English proficiency to participate effectively in CSLS activities. International scholars must provide documentation of English proficiency to UC Berkeley. Acceptable evidence includes a recognized English-language examination (TOEFL or IELTS), documentation from an academic institution or English-language school, or a documented interview.

Conditions et avantages

• Access to a range of UC Berkeley academic and campus resources, including library privileges at Berkeley Law and other campus libraries.
• Invitations to the weekly CSLS Speaker Series, access to workshops and scholarly exchanges.
• UC Berkeley campus privileges, permission to audit selected classes, and access to athletic facilities.
• Computer and internet facilities when available, and opportunities to interact with Berkeley faculty and visiting scholars from around the world.
• Program duration: Periods ranging from one semester to a full academic year (fall and/or spring semester placements; summer-only residences are generally not competitive).
• Funding and Fees: The program is not a funded fellowship and does not provide stipends. Applicants are responsible for securing sufficient funding.
• International J-1 exchange visitors must meet Berkeley’s financial requirements: US$2,000/month for the scholar, US$600 for a J-2 spouse, and US$400 for each J-2 child.
• CSLS fees: US$3,500 for stays up to 6 months, US$7,000 for stays up to 1 year. Berkeley campus University Service Fee: US$750 during the first year. DS-2019 processing fee: US$850 for foreign visitors requiring a J-1 visa. Fees are subject to change.

Dossier de candidature

• A full curriculum vitae.
• A detailed research or study proposal.
• The proposed period of residence at CSLS.
• An explanation of how the research relates to one or more CSLS research themes.
• A description of the empirical aspects of the proposed research.
• For international applicants: Evidence of how they will finance their stay in Berkeley (sabbatical salary, scholarships, government funding, or personal funds).
• Documentation of English proficiency for international scholars.

Comment postuler

Eligible researchers should prepare their CV, research proposal, proposed residence period, funding information, and other required documentation before submitting an application through the UC Berkeley Visiting Scholars process. Applicants should ensure that their proposed research clearly demonstrates a connection to CSLS scholarship and one or more of its core themes. International applicants should also secure adequate financial resources to cover program, campus, immigration, accommodation, living, and other associated expenses.

Application Opens : September 11, 2026

Application Deadline : March 2, 2027

Results : Mid-March 2027

Reference / Institution : UC Berkeley – Center for the Study of Law and Society (CSLS)

Visit official website to apply : Opportunity for Africa