Funding - Lavern Weber Visiting Researcher Program

The Lavern Weber Visiting Scientist Program is one of the many ways Oregon State University’s (OSU) Hatfield Marine Science Center (HMSC) fosters marine research through collaboration.  Visiting Scientists bring expertise in diverse disciplines and lay the foundation for professional collaborations across universities and agencies. Through the Lavern Weber Visiting Scientist Fellowship, visiting researchers become part of HMSC’s research community, sharing expertise and diverse perspectives with professional colleagues, students, and local citizens.  A key objective of the program is for the visiting scientist to participate in HMSC programs, including teaching and research, during their stay.

Funded by donations to a named endowment and matching funding from the OSU Research Office, the Fellowship honors Dr. Lavern Weber, who directed HMSC from 1977 until 2002.  Awards stipends of up to $10,000 are available to fund a visiting scientist, with the goal of hosting at least one visitor per academic year.  These funds may be used for salary, travel, research expenses, or a combination of these costs. Please note there may be tax implications for international visitors. Additional funds may be available for longer stays.  The Director's Office will also provide the sponsoring lab up to $200 to host interactions with the visiting scientist.

Criteria: 

  • Applicants must commit to spend a minimum of 2 weeks in residence at HMSC 
  • Preferred applicants would hold an appointment at a university or college, work with a private institution, have an aligned emerging research agenda, or be recognized as an expert in their area of interest. 
  • Preferred applicants will have expertise in a field related to marine or coastal issues or research conducted at HMSC. 
  • Applicants must commit to interacting with faculty, students and the Newport Community by participating in collaborative research, teaching, seminars, informal talks and/or community outreach programs
Recommendations and applications will be accepted in the HMSC Director’s office throughout the year (or until a decision is reached) and evaluated by a committee of HMSC faculty and graduate students. Evaluation criteria will include the degree to which the scientist will:
utilize specialized facilities and environments at the HMSC,
interact with the many groups at the HMSC as well as students,
and bring new approaches, technologies, and ideas to the research and education goals of the HMSC. 

Applications should consist of: 

  • A resume on the scientist (5 page maximum) 
  • A narrative describing the activities that will be performed at HMSC including a description of any research space, equipment or housing needs and an explanation of how the visit will integrate into research, education, and outreach programs at HMSC  
  • A funding request and justification including a description of any matching funds available, either from an internal HMSC program or from other sources  
  • A recommendation from an OSU or HMSC scientist is suggested, but not required 

Recommendations and applications will be accepted in the HMSC Director’s office throughout the year (or until a decision is reached) and evaluated by a committee of HMSC faculty and graduate students.

Evaluation criteria will include the degree to which the scientist will:

  • utilize specialized facilities and environments at the HMSC,
  • interact with the many groups at the HMSC as well as students,
  • bring new approaches, technologies, and ideas to the research and education goals of the HMSC.

Please contact the Research Program Manager Cinamon Moffett, or call 541-867-0126 with any questions.