We encourage applications of visiting scholars whose research interests and activities are in line with our research programme 'Effective Protection of Fundamental Rights in a Pluralist World' or our Key Research Themes. Our dynamic, multidisciplinary research programme aims to bring together researchers from fields such as privacy and data protection law, cybercrime and cybersecurity, telecommunications and media law, children’s rights in the digital world, philosophy of technology, ethics and digital technologies.

Admission criteria

We welcome applications of visiting scholars by PhD candidates, (postdoc) researchers and academic staff (professors, associate professors, assistant professors, or equivalents of these ranks) for a duration of a maximum of 90 days. Visitors must have a strong research profile as measured against their career stage. Their work must be of high quality, as indicated by their past academic experience and performance. The number of positions for visiting scholars is limited and preference will be given to those whose research interests match most closely with staff of our Institute. 

The Center is not in a position to offer financial assistance to visiting scholars. Visitors have full responsibility for their funding during their stay in Leiden.

Visitors must be proficient in spoken and written English. If English is not their first language, visitors are requested to provide proof of their proficiency (see language requirements). 

Applications for visiting scholars

Applications for visiting scholar status must be in English, and should be addressed to the Center’s Secretariat, Ms Regina Noort. They must include:
-  A motivation/cover letter containing the planned dates of the visit and motivation for applying to our Center;
-  A research proposal or work program (no longer than 3 pages), comprised of a short description of activities and goals (both in terms of research and education to our students) to be pursued during the stay at our Institute;
-  A curriculum vitae, including a list of publications;
-  A letter of recommendation/support from a staff member of our Institute or an academic letter of reference from your home institution, endorsing your visit;
-A proof or explanation of ensuring funding during the stay in Leiden;

Deadlines apllications

Applications can be submitted twice per year. The deadline for visits in the Autumn and Winter (September-March) is 1st March of each year. The deadline for visits in the Spring and Summer (March-September) is 1^st September of each year. Please note: it is not possbible to visit eLaw in July and August. The number of visiting scholars we can accept, depends on the available capacity. Particularly for visiting scholars without a PhD, we only accept candidates if there is sufficient supervisory capacity available.

What we offer visiting scholars

The Center for Law & Digital Technologies offers a stimulating working environment, in a leading law and digital technologies research group. Amongst the benefits of being a visiting scholar at our Center are: 

-  Use of the library facilities of Leiden University, most importantly the Law Library. The Leiden University libraries collectively own more than 5,2 million books, more than 44,000 e-journals, more than 1 million e-books and hundreds of databases and other electronic resources. Visiting scholars will get full access to the library and digital library services, including borrowing services.
- Office space at the Institute whenever possible, depending on availability;
- Attending lectures and seminars run by the Law School, as appropriate;
- Invitations to events sponsored by the Law School.

If necessary, the Law School’s Service Centre International Staff will contact accepted prospective visiting scholars for assistance with immigration procedures, financial matters and insurance. Please note that, in case visa are required, no extension of visas issued earlier are allowed. Also, no extensions of the visa are allowed.

The visiting scholar is responsible for finding accommodation in the Netherlands. Visitors can apply for housing through the university’s Housing Office or can look for a place to live in the private sector.

What we expect of visiting scholars

Visiting scholars are expected to participate actively in the intellectual life of the Center. Attending courses for our students is not allowed for visiting scholars. Depending on the length and nature of their visit, we would expect visiting scholars to give at least one lecture or seminar whilst they are here to present their work, or to contribute to teaching our students and PhDs.

Note: please keep in mind that measures of the Dutch government are leading. If, due to measures, university staff is unable to work at the faculty, the visit will have to be canceled or postponed.