SANFRI Visiting Scholar Program 2025–2026 | Apply Now

SANFRI Visiting Scholar Program (VSP) 2025-2026: Application Now Open

The Sino-ASEAN Network of Forestry Research Institutes (SANFRI), initiated by the Asia-Pacific Network for Sustainable Forest Management and Rehabilitation (APFNet) in 2018, continues to foster collaboration between ASEAN economies and China. Its aim is to strengthen forestry research through information exchange, capacity building, and joint efforts. As part of this initiative, the SANFRI Visiting Scholar Program (VSP) offers young researchers a unique opportunity to engage in academic exchanges and conduct research in sustainable forest management and rehabilitation.

About the SANFRI-VSP

The SANFRI Visiting Scholar Program is designed to support talented young researchers from ASEAN countries to carry out scientific research at the Yunnan Academy of Forestry and Grassland (YAFG) in China. Scholars will be given the chance to participate in research programs spanning a wide range of forestry-related fields, including silviculture, forest ecology, biological engineering, forest product processing, economic forestry, forest pest and disease management, and desertification control.

The program offers scholars the chance to undertake 3 or 6-month visits to the YAFG, where they can immerse themselves in ongoing projects and contribute to the field through collaborative research and exchanges.

Expectations of VSP Scholars

Upon completion of their visits, scholars are expected to provide:

A technical report outlining the research conducted during the visit.
A reflection on their experience, lessons learned, and insights from the program.
For scholars on the 6-month visit, there is an additional expectation to publish an academic article under the guidance of YAFG.

Successful completion of these requirements will result in the issuance of a certificate following a technical review and approval.

Program Funding

The SANFRI VSP offers a comprehensive funding package, which includes:

Tuition fees covered
Accommodation on campus
A monthly allowance of CNY 2,300 (pre-tax)
One round-trip international travel ticket
Accident insurance coverage during the stay

Eligibility Criteria

Basic Requirements:

Citizenship from an ASEAN member country.
Recommendation by a member institute of SANFRI.
Applicants must be under 45 years of age.
A doctorate in forestry or a related field, or a master’s degree with at least 3 years of work experience in forestry, or a bachelor’s degree with at least 5 years of work experience in the same field.

Desired Qualifications:

A strong background and interest in forestry research and management.
Proficiency in spoken and written English or Chinese.

Application Process

The application deadline for the SANFRI Visiting Scholar Program is 31 May 2025 (Beijing time). To apply, candidates must submit the following materials:

A completed application form.
An updated resume.
A copy of the applicant’s passport information page.
Academic diplomas (doctorate and any previous degrees).
Other supporting documents, such as language proficiency certificates and academic publications, as relevant.

All application materials should be submitted in PDF format to Ms. Sun Rui, with a copy to Ms. Wang Jiayi (contact details provided in the program guidelines).

Selection Process and Enrollment

Successful applicants will be notified by July 2025. The visits are scheduled to begin after September 2025, with specific arrangements made in collaboration with the VSP office.

This program is an excellent opportunity for researchers to advance their expertise in sustainable forestry practices, build international networks, and contribute to vital climate action through scientific research and practical solutions. Don't miss out on this chance to participate in one of the most impactful forestry research programs in the region!

How to Apply

Interested and qualified? Go to Scholarship at Uniplus Global to apply