Visitors Program:
Urban Scholars and Leading Urban Practitioners
The Mansueto Institute for Urban Innovation at the University of Chicago offers opportunities for visiting scholars and leading urban practitioners to contribute to the institute’s mission of advancing urban scholarship and developing solutions to complex urban challenges. Successful applicants will be chosen from nominations received from current faculty, staff, and partners. We encourage nomination of individuals from diverse fields and perspectives.
Visitors will have the opportunity to engage with our academic community through lectures, workshops, and collaborative projects that facilitate and contribute to our dynamic intellectual environment. During their residency, they have the freedom to explore new research, finish existing projects, and develop new strategies to positively impact urban communities. Visitors will also receive financial support.
This program builds on the University of Chicago’s rich tradition of urban scholarship to promote innovative thinking, support research activities, and create opportunities for knowledge exchange.
Participants in the program
Visiting Urban Scholars
Visiting scholars are expected to pursue original research that addresses key urban challenges and provide at least one talk to our community while connecting with UChicago’s network of scholars. Visitors typically come to work with faculty, learn techniques, and/or use our libraries or other research facilities. The program fosters a collaborative atmosphere, encouraging participants to share their insights through formal and informal gatherings such as colloquia or seminars. Participants should plan to actively engage in the Institute’s events and discussions, contributing to its mission of driving urban innovation. More information about the official appointment process can be found here.
Visiting Urban Leaders
Urban leaders are executives or other leading urban practitioners with extensive experience in industry, non-profit, or government roles. These leaders will advise students on career paths in non-academic roles and provide at least one talk in our community leaders colloquium. In addition, they may work with faculty and students on research, provide educational opportunities for students, consult with institute leadership on current initiatives, work with institute staff on improving and expanding partnerships, and generally deepen and share their understanding of how to improve urban lives. Participants are encouraged to actively engage in the Institute’s events and discussions, contributing to its mission of driving urban innovation.
Open to:
- Visiting Scholars: Faculty from external institutions
- Urban Practitioners: Executives or other leading urban practitioners with experience in industry, non-profit, or government roles
Duration and Application
Appointments typically last from one week to three months. Longer term appointments are possible depending on the nature of the project.
Faculty, staff, or existing partners may nominate a candidate, using the Visitor Nomination Form.
For more information please contact: miurban@uchicago.edu.