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
09/19
Sara S. ‘Sally’ Bachman reappointed dean of Penn School of Social Policy & Practice
Bachman’s second term as the dean of the University of Pennsylvania School of Social Policy & Practice will extend to June 30, 2031.
News
Student Life
08/26
Penn’s School of Social Policy & Practice launches nation’s first practice doctorate in nonprofit administration
Penn’s School of Social Policy & Practice (SP2) is proud to announce the launch of the Doctorate in Nonprofit Administration (DNPA), the first practice-based doctoral program in the nation focused exclusively on leadership for nonprofit administrators.
News
Student Life
08/18
SP2 announces “The Anxious Generation” as One Book, One SP2 selection
Penn’s School of Social Policy & Practice (SP2) has announced the selection of “The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness” by Jonathan Haidt as its 2025 – 2026 One Book, One SP2 choice.