Participant Obligations

VFP aims to enhance the professional development of faculty members, helping them strengthen their independent research and invigorate teaching at their home institutions through collaborations with DOE laboratory scientists. To achieve this, all participants have specific obligations and deliverables.

Research Project Proposal

Before the application submission deadline, all faculty applicants must submit a research project proposal. This proposal must be co-developed with research staff at the host DOE laboratory.

Participation Requirements for All Participants (Faculty and Students)

All VFP participants must adhere to the following requirements:

  • Health Insurance: You must have proof of health insurance coverage for the entire duration of your appointment. Securing this coverage before arriving at the laboratory is your responsibility.
  • Location:   All collaborations are conducted on-site at a host DOE national laboratory/facility.  Faculty and student participants must conduct their appointment in the United States or its territories.
  • Program Duration: You must complete the full consecutive 10-week program during the Summer Term.
  • Scientific Meetings: You may be asked by your DOE research advisor to participate in professional scientific meetings.

Deliverable Obligations

Both faculty and student participants are required to complete and submit all assigned program deliverables on time.

For Faculty Participants:

For Student Participants:

  • Presentation: Deliver either an oral presentation or a poster presentation on your VFP research.
  • Research Project Report: Submit a research project report (1500–3000 words).
  • Abstract: Submit a general audience abstract summarizing your research.
  • Peer Review: Complete and submit a one-page peer review of another undergraduate intern's presentation (talk or poster).
  • Guidance: Detailed requirements, submission instructions, and additional guidance are available here: [Visiting Faculty Program (VFP) Student Deliverables Requirements and Guidelines]

Critical Notes on Deliverables:

  • Mandatory Surveys:
    • If you do not complete the initial pre-survey by the deadline, your program participation will be immediately terminated. Your record of participation will be removed, and you will be ineligible to apply for future WDTS programs.
    • Similarly, failure to submit other required deliverables on time will result in the removal of your participation record and future ineligibility for WDTS programs.
  • Entrance and Exit Surveys: You must complete entrance and exit surveys through the online system provided at the beginning of the program. Host laboratories may withhold initial or final stipend payments until these surveys are submitted.

Project Acknowledgment

Projects funded by the Workforce Development for Teachers and Scientists (WDTS) require proper acknowledgment in all presentations and publications. This helps maintain accountability and supports mandated assessment and reporting functions.

  • Required Acknowledgment Statement: "This work was supported in part by the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Science, Office of Workforce Development for Teachers and Scientists (WDTS) under the Visiting Faculty Program (VFP)."

Avoiding Dual Compensation

VFP awards are not intended to provide duplicate funding for activities already supported by other sources, such as federal appropriations, contracts, or grants from other federal agencies. It is your responsibility as an applicant to ensure that federal funds are not used to pay for costs or activities that have already been covered by another funding source.