US NASEM Highlight Visa Challenges for Scientists in New Report and Webinar

The IAP is pleased to share key findings from a recent global survey on visa experiences for scientists, conducted by the Board on International Scientific Organizations (BISO) of the U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM). The survey results are now available in a new report, providing critical insights into the challenges faced by scientists, engineers and medical professionals when applying for U.S. visas for short-term scientific visits.

The BISO Global Visa Survey, commissioned in September 2024, gathered responses from over 1,200 professionals across more than 90 countries. The report highlights significant obstacles encountered in securing visas, particularly for B-1, F, J-1 and H-1 visa categories. These barriers can hinder international collaboration, delay scientific projects, and impact knowledge exchange. The full report is available here.

To further discuss these findings and explore potential solutions, BISO will host a webinar titled 'Experiences of Applying for a Visa as a Scientist' on Thursday 3 April 2025, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM ET. This event will feature key experts and stakeholders to reflect on the survey’s results and address broader implications for the global scientific community.

Speakers include:

• Dr. Padmanabhan Seshaiyer, Chair of BISO
• Dr. Sekazi Mtingwa, BISO Member
• Annette Hager, KGL Consulting
• Ehud Keinan, President, International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC)

The webinar will offer an opportunity for researchers, policymakers and institutions to engage in dialogue about the impact of visa policies on scientific collaboration and mobility. Attendees can register for the live event or sign up to receive a recording afterward.

For more information and to register, please read here.

Through initiatives such as this report and webinar, IAP member academies continue to advocate for policies that facilitate international scientific exchange and ensure equitable access to global research opportunities.