New! Introducing the MCPS Visiting Scholars Program

Thanks to a generous donation, the Minnesota Center for Philosophy of Science (MCPS) is excited to introduce its new Visiting Scholars Program.

Applications are now open (September 2026). The deadline to apply is midnight Central Time Monday 7 December 2026 (information on how to apply is below), for a start date of September 2027. The program supports two scholars per semester (Fall: September 1 – December 31 and Spring: January 1 – April 30), in visiting MCPS in Minneapolis.

Scholars are required to participate, for the whole semester, in the MCPS intellectual community by attending reading groups and colloquia and giving one presentation during their stay. Scholars are otherwise free to pursue their own research.

What MCPS provides

  • A monthly stipend of $4,000
  • Office space in Heller Hall, on the University of Minnesota's West Bank campus, near the MCPS library, the offices of MCPS Resident Fellows, Affiliates, and Postdoctoral Fellows, as well as faculty and graduate student offices of the Department of Philosophy
  • A full calendar of events, including weekly colloquium presentations, reading groups that cover a range of topics and often include the authors of the book(s) being read and conferences and workshops held in partnership with other centers and departments across the university
  • Connection to a network and community of scholars enthusiastically working in, discussing and hearing about the philosophy of science

How to apply

Visiting Scholars must have a doctorate. The degree will typically be in philosophy or history and philosophy of science, or the scholar should have an established position in the professional community of philosophy of science. We also welcome scientists pursuing history of science and/or philosophy of science research. Please contact us prior to applying if you have eligibility questions.

Please submit the following documents to [email protected]:

  • A cover letter indicating interest in the Visiting Scholars program and proposed dates of residency
  • A description of the project to be undertaken while in residence (500-1000 words)
  • A CV
  • A sample (or link to sample) of written work
  • Three letters of reference. Please ask your referees to submit their letters via Interfolio

Returning scholars

Scholars may visit the Minnesota Center for Philosophy of Science for, at most, two semesters every ten years.