The Research Scholar Program fosters the exchange of ideas between the Baltic states and the U.S. and stimulates international collaboration and research efforts. It promotes mutual enrichment, further strengthening ties between the nations and providing invaluable career and personal development opportunities for participants to leverage in their leadership roles upon return to their home countries and institutions. 

Duration: BAFF provides fellowships for professors and academic researchers to conduct independent or collaborative research projects in the U.S. for up to 12 months. 

Host organizations provide program participants with: 

• access to research facilities or equipment, 

• try out/practice advanced research methodologies, 

• orientation and support to get acclimated to the new work environment and responsibilities, 

• sufficient resources and equipment needed in order to fulfill their research project, 

• continuous on-site collaboration with university staff, 

• attendance or opportunity to present their research project at conferences,  

• introducing participants to the regional culture, creating networking opportunities, teaching how to collaborate with colleagues with diverse backgrounds and work styles, and providing other support needed. 

During the research program, participants: 

• broaden and deepen their professional knowledge, 

• gain new working skills and techniques, 

• improve their ability to work within an international team, 

• gain international living experience, 

• work closely with a collaborating university team,  

• expand their professional network, 

• improve their written and oral English language proficiency sufficient to excel in a U.S. professional environment, 

• attend professional, networking, and other educational events during their stay in the US, 

• enhance their ability to contribute to their home country, 

• actively participated in American cultural activities.