The SFU STAR Institute welcomes visiting researchers on many levels, ranging from long-term sabbatical visits, through extended research collaborations, to short-term research visits. If you are interested in collaborating with the STAR Institute, please email STAR Special Projects Manager Juliet Neun-Hornick at jneunhor@sfu.ca.

Visiting scholars and researchers in field of aging and technology and related sciences make important contributions to the intellectual life of the STAR Institute members and the greater Simon Fraser University community.

All International Visitors are responsible for completing their own VISA paperwork and must comply with visa regulations set out on The Canadian Immigration & Citizenship (CIC) Government Website. 
 

Applicants may submit their application to visit the STAR Institute if the following criteria are met:

• The visit is temporary and for periods ranging from 10 days to twelve months.
• The applicant has obtained his or her own funding for all travel and accommodation expenses.
• Interests and program of activities need to align with mission and vision of STAR.
• The applicant agrees to enrol and participate in the AGE-WELL EPIC Affiliate program.
• The applicant must provide a plan of activities and outputs (including plans for academic and professional/public outreach publications and media).
   

• Applications can be submitted throughout the year.
  
• Applications should be emailed to STAR Special Projects Manager Juliet Neun-Hornick at jneunhor@sfu.ca.
• All candidates will be notified after their application has been evaluated.
• Successful applicants will receive an official letter of invitation from the Director of the STAR Institute.

An application consists of:

• A current curriculum vitae.
• 250 - 500 words describing the research the visitor proposes to do during his/her/their visit.
• A covering letter, specifying:
  o   the visitor's institutional affiliation and status;
  o   the beginning and ending dates of the planned visit;
  o   the purpose of the visit and why the SFU STAR Institute is their preferred location;
  o   what level and kind of funding the applicant has to support the visit; and
  o   a plan of activities and outputs (including plans for academic and professional/public outreach publications and media);
  o   the name of one or two faculty members you wish to collaborate with during your stay at the SFU STAR Institute.
   

The invitation letter can be used as necessary at the visitor's home institution or for any visa requirements.

The STAR Institute will provide the visitor with:

• On-site amenities, such as shared office/desk space and desktop, depending on availability.
• Wireless access at SFU through a sponsored account or through Eduroam Wireless Services.
   

Approved visiting scholars will have access to the following resources:

• Access to the Institute's common areas, which are designed to accommodate collaborative and independent research modes. Common areas also include lounge and dining areas, kitchen, and bathrooms.
• Wireless access at SFU through a sponsored account or through Eduroam Wireless Services.
   

Will I be provided with wireless services?

• Yes.  Eduroam, or educational roaming, is a secure worldwide access service which allows faculty, staff, and students to access wireless services at any participating institution by logging in with their home institution credentials. Visitors to the STAR Institute from Eduroam-enabled institutions must make similar arrangements to configure and test before leaving their home institutions. Not all institutions are Eduroam-enabled. Visitors should contact their home institution's IT support for assistance. More information regarding this service can be found at: https://wiki.bc.net/atl-conf/display/Services/Canada+eduroam.

How do I find out about special lectures and workshops?

• Special lectures and workshops take place throughout the year. Please see Event and Opportunities section on the main page of our website for lists of upcoming programs and activities. 
• The Simon Fraser University Gerontology Department Events page also lists opportunities for upcoming programs and activities.  
• The AGE-WELL EPIC Program exposes Highly Qualified Personnel (HQP include trainees and research staff such as undergraduate and graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, research associates, research assistants, technicians, and summer students) to multi-disciplinary research environments, industry, and community partners. Through experiential learning opportunities, including courses, workshops, collaboration, and mentorship, the program emphasizes the development of skills, ideas, teamwork, and relationship-building that are the building blocks of a successful career.

What information do I need to obtain a visa?

• All International Visitors are responsible for completing their own VISA paperwork and must comply with visa regulations set out on The Canadian Immigration & Citizenship (CIC) Government Website.