1. I would like to apply for the program, but I am not able to stay at the lab for as long as 8 weeks.

• The minimum tenure for the U.S. Air Force Summer Faculty Fellowship Program is 8 weeks; the maximum tenure is 12 weeks.

2. Is it possible for participants to change their proposed start date after they have accepted the fellowship?

• Yes, however, participants must first obtain approval from their lab advisor, and the advisor must send an email to Systems Plus (afsffp.pmo@sysplus.com) to confirm the approval.

3. Is it possible for participants to change their number of weeks after they have accepted the fellowship?

• Yes, however, participants must first obtain approval from their lab advisor. This request must then be sent to Systems Plus (afsffp.pmo@sysplus.com) who will forward the request to the Air Force of Scientific Research (AFOSR) for final official approval before the number of weeks can be changed. 

4. Is it possible for participants to leave the lab for conferences, teaching engagements, or vacation during their tenure?

• According to the U.S. Air Force Summer Faculty Fellowship Program Terms and Conditions, “The term of appointment can be 8 to 12 continuous weeks between May and August.”
  • Any requests for leave of absence from the program will only be allowed for medical or family emergency situations or to.
  • Attend conferences with official approval in writing from the Lab Advisor and SFFP Program Office.
  • Participants should not make arrangements to be away from the Lab until approval has been received in writing.
• Failure to follow these guidelines could result in a forfeit of the fellowship.

5. Are graduate students permitted to carry out research at the lab unaccompanied by their professor?

• No, graduate students are not permitted to carry out research at the lab without the presence of their professor.

6. What should I do if I have accepted the fellowship but realize I will not be able to carry out the fellowship?

• Please contact Systems Plus (afsffp.pmo@sysplus.com) and your lab advisor as soon as possible as your slot will be open for another applicant to participate in the program.

7. I have participated in SFFP previously. Can I participate in SFFP again?

• Beginning in FY2023, there is a three-year tenure limit for the SFFP program.
  • Previous participation before FY2023 is exempt from the three-year limit. If you participated prior to FY2023, those years are not counted towards the three-year limit. E.g., If you participated in SFFP since 2020 the last year you would be eligible for SFFP would be 2025, counting 2023, 2024, and 2025 as three years.
  • The three-year limit applies to continuous and non-continuous years of participation FY2023 and beyond.
  • The Air Force Office of Scientific Research encourages other funding mechanisms for continuing research collaborations such as the Visiting Scientist Program (VSP) https://www.afrl.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Fact-Sheet-Display/Article/2282103/afosr-funding-opportunities/.

8. Does the Airforce or Systems Plus provide medical insurance during my SFFP tenure?

• No, neither the Airforce nor Systems Plus provide medical insurance to SFFP Fellows. Fellows are responsible for obtaining their own health insurance as self-employed guest researchers.