RESEARCHVisiting Students and Scholars
Since its founding in 1908, the School of Social Policy & Practice (SP2) has served as a temporary home for hundreds of Visiting Scholars from throughout the world. The tradition of welcoming scholars from abroad continues today and is reflected in the many international scholars who regard SP2 as their “research home” while in the United States.
Administrative and financial arrangements relating to Visiting Scholar appointments are highly individualized; in every case, they require a substantial level of self-financing. Proposals for Visiting Scholar appointments are submitted to the Dean for approval by the faculty host. Visiting scholars whose research aligns with the school’s interests will be considered and shared office space will be offered when available. The visiting scholar is encouraged to present their research to the SP2 community before returning home. Visiting Scholars may be appointed for a maximum of two academic semesters.
For our part, SP2 provides Visiting Scholars with an SP2 faculty sponsor, access to our world-class library and on-campus events, and introductions to other scholars at Penn who share similar or related research interests (if requested).
Opportunities also may exist for the development of ongoing collaborative research projects between Visiting Scholars and members of the School’s permanent faculty.
Visiting Students and Scholars
2020 – Present
| Name | Title | Local Affiliation | Academic Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yaacov Yablon | Visiting Scholar | Bar-Ilan University | Summer 2022 |
| Amyer (Huangjuan) Liu | Visiting PhD Student | Renmin University of China | 2019 - 2020 |
| Xi Chen | Visiting PhD Student | Renmin University of China | 2019 - 2020 |
News
Faculty & Research
07/01
Dr. Abigail Ross named SP2 Master of Social Work faculty director
Associate Professor Abigail (Abby) M. Ross, LICSW, MPH, PhD, has been named faculty director of the Master of Social Work (MSW) program at the University of Pennsylvania School of Social Policy & Practice (SP2), effective July 1, 2026.
News
Faculty & Research
07/01
Economic scholar Ioana Marinescu promoted to full professor at SP2
Dr. Ioana Marinescu has been promoted to full professor at the University of Pennsylvania School of Social Policy & Practice (SP2), effective July 1, 2026.
News
Student Life
06/01
SP2 announces “Technology for Good” as One Book selection
SP2 has announced the selection of “Technology for Good: How Nonprofit Leaders Are Using Software and Data to Solve Our Most Pressing Social Problems” by Jim Fruchterman as its 2026 – 2027 One Book, One SP2 choice.