RESEARCH
SCHOLARSHIP
PROGRAM

WHY PARTICIPATE?

The BAFF Research Scholarship Program offers fellowships to professors and academic researchers from the Baltic states to pursue independent or collaborative research projects in the United States for a period of 3 to 9 months. The duration of each fellowship is reviewed individually by BAFF and tailored to the specific research proposal; however, projects must be no shorter than three months.

The program fosters the exchange of ideas between the Baltic states and the United States, encouraging international collaboration and advancing research excellence. By supporting academic mobility and knowledge sharing, the Research Scholar Program promotes mutual enrichment, strengthens transatlantic ties, and contributes to the long-term development of participating institutions. Fellows gain valuable professional and personal experience that can be leveraged in their academic, research, and leadership roles upon returning to their home countries.

 

  • Have you been invited—or considered becoming—a Visiting Research Fellow in the U.S., but faced funding constraints?

  • Do you require access to cutting-edge research facilities, infrastructure, or equipment unavailable at your home institution?

  • Would exposure to advanced research methodologies in the U.S. enhance your work and benefit your institution?

  • Would access to world-class research libraries, specialized archives, or unique academic collections significantly advance your research?

  • Could hands-on experience with advanced technologies, laboratory techniques, or specialized equipment available in the U.S. strengthen your research outcomes and institutional capacity?

Visa Support
BAFF, in cooperation with CIEE, provides J-1 Visa sponsorship for all selected participants, ensuring a smooth and supported exchange experience.

THE BAFF EXPERIENCE HAS PROVIDED ME WITH GREAT INSIGHTS THAT I WILL INCORPORATE NOT ONLY IN STUDY COURSES AND RESEARCH ACTIVITIES IN LATVIA, BUT ALSO IN MY PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT

— Henrijs Kalkis had an enriching experience at Pennsylvania State University in the Department of Industrial and Manufactural Engineering. The title of his study was Ergonomics stress indicators in contemporary social-technical system, “Human-Machine-Environment”.

THE SCHOLARSHIP INCLUDES

Awards are determined based on established guidelines and will depend on the length, location, and nature of the individual project.

Awards are intended to cover:

  • Participant round-trip airfare

  • Emergency health insurance for the entire stay in the U.S.

  • J-1 visa sponsorship

Monthly stipend to cover:

  • Accommodation

  • Personal expenses

  • Local transportation expenses

  • Approved 1 U.S. conference attendance

Additional Benefits:

  • 24/7 emergency support

  • Personalized support

  • No fees whatsoever

Awards DO NOT cover:

  • Leisure travel in the U.S.

  • Personal shopping or gifts

  • Hardware or equipment purchases (computers, laptops, printers etc.)

  • Additional expenses that pertain to lifestyle preferences

IMPORTANT information

  • A Two-Year Home Country Physical Presence (Residency) Requirement is a requirement of participation in the Baltic-American Freedom Foundation Research Scholarship program.

    Upon completion of the BAFF/CIEE Research Scholarship program, you are required to return immediately to, and reside in, your country of permanent residency for a minimum of two years and are not permitted to stay or attempt to stay in the U.S. or any other foreign country, including to work, pursue work, or study.

    Short-term visits, up to a maximum of 14 days, to foreign countries for the primary purpose of tourism or short-term business are allowed. Visits longer than 14 days must be reported to your BAFF local representative prior to the start of the visit. In any calendar year, the total length of visits to foreign countries for either purpose may not exceed 90 days.

    The residency requirement constitutes a moral obligation that relates to the foundational aim of BAFF to promote Baltic economic development through investment in the career development. The Residency Requirement is at the heart of the success of the BAFF Research Scholarship program. Please carefully read and consider the full description included in the Participant Agreement (last section of the Application Form) that you are required to sign in order to be eligible to apply.

Dates and deadlines

More information about upcoming application deadlines will be available soon.
Please check this page regularly or follow BAFF on social media for updates.