Visiting Scholar Selection Criteria

All applications undergo internal screening for relevance to RSF’s priority areas and the strength of the application. Applications that are internally approved are then externally reviewed by experts selected by the Foundation. Final selection decisions are made by a committee of the Russell Sage Board of Trustees.

The selection of Visiting Scholars is based on both an individual’s demonstrated record of research accomplishments and the scientific merit of the applicant’s proposed project. Several criteria receive special consideration. The project’s relevance to RSF’s declared mission to contribute to “the improvement of social and living conditions in the United States” is given substantial weight—this usually rules out studies of other countries unless they are part of a comparative project aimed at elucidating social and living conditions in the U.S. Strong preference is given to proposals focused on RSF’s priorities. On occasion, selected scholars work on projects less immediately relevant to RSF’s priorities that are innovative and might influence the Foundation to consider new directions. We also make a special effort to include talented early-career scholars and to promote racial/ethnic, gender and disciplinary diversity in each year’s class.