Affiliation to SAFIR and Visiting Fellowships

The SAFIR Institute is deeply committed to promoting international research collaboration and the dynamic exchange of ideas across borders. The university actively welcomes scholars, researchers, and academics from around the world who wish to engage with its vibrant intellectual community. To support this mission, SAFIR offers two key avenues for academic engagement: the Affiliation programme and the Visiting Fellowship scheme. Both are designed to cultivate meaningful academic partnerships, support collaborative research initiatives, and enrich the scholarly environment at SAFIR. In addition, Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi offers postdoctoral research opportunities in the UAE, encouraging early-career scholars to contribute to innovative projects and expand their networks. The university’s focus on international research fosters global dialogue and knowledge-sharing that addresses shared challenges.

Research Affiliation to SAFIR

The research affiliation programme is ideal for scholars who wish to conduct independent research while benefiting from the university's intellectual environment and resources.

An affiliate researcher at SAFIR is an individual, a researcher from another institution, a PhD holder, a postdoctoral researcher, or an independent researcher who actively participates in a research field or programme led by SAFIR.

The status of affiliate researcher is designed as:

A recognition of the active participation of a researcher in the activities and research programmes of SAFIR

A means to continue research while awaiting professional advancement

The status of affiliate researcher is granted for a duration of three years, renewable at the request of the researcher and subject to actual or planned collaborations with members of the Institute. To this end, a summary of collaborative activities will be required, and management will decide based on the submitted report.

Affiliate researchers commit to participating in the collective life of the Institute and its centres, to the extent of available resources and in various ways:

Participation in conferences, seminars, study days
Participation in project calls with permanent researchers from the Institute
Contribution to the organisation of collective research activities (seminars, study days, etc.)

The status of affiliate researcher allows access to various services:

Access to the library and common research resources (scientific equipment, specialised software, digital resources)
Access to a workspace within the campus (open space)
Creation of a page on the SUAD website where projects and scientific outputs will be displayed, subject to the submission of data related to their research activity
Eligibility for internal funding granted by the Research Council, provided that the request is closely related to the activities and strategic objectives of SAFIR
Authorisation to use the names Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi and SAFIR when presenting or publishing research results or applying for external and internal funding

It is imperative to note that the association is not an employment contract and does not grant any right to recruitment as a researcher, professor or lecturer or to teaching assignments at SUAD.

Application Process:

The application must be sent to safir@sorbone.apps.plana.ae and should ideally be supported by a researcher from the Institute. Applications for association are reviewed by the Head of SAFIR and the Research Council based on criteria considering the quality of the research and the relevance to SAFIR activities.

The application file must be composed as follows:

CV with a list of publications and research activities
Cover letter from the candidate demonstrating their connection to the research activities of the Institute and the permanent members

Visiting Fellowships

Visiting Fellowships are intended for individuals who can benefit from the academic opportunities provided by SAFIR and who can contribute meaningfully to the university’s rich academic environment. Contributions during the period of the Fellowship could include collaborating with colleagues on pedagogic research, giving a lecture or series of lectures, or attending and leading seminars at SAFIR.

Scholars (PhD holders) as well as PhD students can apply for this opportunity.

Visiting Fellowships are without salary, and it is therefore expected that successful applicants can support most of the costs associated with their stay. Applicants should have active collaborations with Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi or have established contact with a researcher at SAFIR. A clear and compelling research proposal that aligns with the university's areas of expertise will be expected.

It is also our hope and expectation that the Visiting Fellow will, where appropriate, support the development of mutually beneficial partnership with their home institution.

Affiliation to SAFIR and Visiting Fellowships