A Lottery-Based Randomized Controlled Trial of a Virtual Visiting Scholars Program

This project proposes a pilot randomized evaluation of a Virtual Visiting Scholars Program (VVSP) targeting prospective pre-doctoral researchers from low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) with quantitative undergraduate degrees in STEM disciplines, aiming to expand the pipeline of scientific talent into doctoral programs. Limited access to mentorship, networks, and academic training represents a key bottleneck preventing high-potential LMIC candidates from entering PhD programs.The pilot tests a multi-stage internet-delivered intervention adaptable across science-related disciplines. The program follows a three-stage design: (i) screening eligible applicants; (ii) enrolling all eligible candidates in a short preparatory training to build academic profiles and enable systematic outcome tracking; and (iii) random allocation via lottery into the virtual visitor program. Embedding randomization within a lottery selection process ensures both fair allocation and an experimental design to enable the causal impact of VVSP to be measured. The pilot randomized controlled trial will assess feasibility, recruitment, and uptake. The primary outcome is PhD enrollment in a science-related discipline, with secondary outcomes including research skills, academic engagement, and early outputs. The design will also examine heterogeneity across gender, geography, and institutional background. The pilot will be conducted at the University of Melbourne, with potential expansion to partner institutions.