The State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science (MEL) at Xiamen University launched a "Visiting Fellowship Program" for visiting scholars in marine sciences to conduct collaborative research with MEL members. Combined with the MEL Open Science Fund, the program offers visiting scholars financial support for 1-3month stays in Xiamen.
1. Supported research fields:
The fellowship supports research in: Biogeochemical cycling of key bioelements in the ocean; Marine ecological processes, effects and climate feedbacks; Ocean carbon sink observations and modelling; Ocean solution towards carbon neutrality and ecosystem health; and other disciplines related to the scientific questions with which MEL is concerned.
2. Fellowship types and support amounts:
2.1 MEL Distinguished Visiting Fellowship. This Fellowship provides a monthly allowance of 50,000 CNY (before tax) for up to three months, round-trip economy class international or domestic travel expenses, and either accommodations or an accommodation allowance. Laboratories, office facilities and other communal research facilities will be provided. All support will be covered at a ratio of 70% by MEL and 30% by the hosting PI.
2.2 MEL Senior Visiting Fellowship. This fellowship is intended for scholars over 8 years of PhD graduation. This Fellowship provides a monthly allowance of 30,000 CNY (before tax) for up to three months, round-trip economy class international or domestic travel expenses, and either accommodations or an accommodation allowance. Laboratories, office facilities and other communal research facilities will be provided. All support will be covered equally at 50% by MEL and 50% by the hosting PI.
2.3 MEL Young Scientist Visiting Fellowship. This fellowship is intended for scholars within 8 years of PhD graduation (applications are not accepted in principle from PhD graduates of Xiamen University within the past 5 years).This Fellowship provides a monthly allowance of 15,000 CNY (before tax) for up to three months, round-trip economy class international or domestic travel expenses, and either accommodations or an accommodation allowance. Laboratories, office facilities and other communal research facilities will be provided. Successful candidates are encouraged to apply for up to 20,000 CNY in research funding from MEL. All support will be covered equally at 50% by MEL and 50% by the hosting PI.
3. Requirements
3.1 The applicant must have a PhD degree;
3.2 The applicant affiliated with Xiamen University are not eligible, in principle;
3.3 The applicant must have a collaborative partner of MEL faculty prior to application.
4. How to apply?
4.1 The applicant should contact at least one MEL faculty member and receive preliminary acceptance from his or her intended hosting collaborator at MEL in advance of the application process..
4.2 Complete the application form on-line. Applicants for the Young Scientist Visiting Fellowship can also apply for up to 20,000 CNY in research funding. A detailed budget is required with the application.
4.3 Application reviews will be organized every March 15th, August 15th and November 15th. The review outcome will be announced on the MEL website and applicants will be notified within a month. The project is valid for one year from the date of approval. A term must be served within the validity date.
4.4 Apply here: https://melmeeting.xmu.edu.cn/fellowship/reg_visiting.asp
Contact the program secretary:
Xiaodi SUN
Email: xiaodi.sun@xmu.edu.cn
Tel: 86-592-2183033
MEL website: https://mel.xmu.edu.cn
State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science (MEL), Xiamen University
January 2026
