Academic Affiliation without a University
I’m a member of the National Coalition of Independent Scholars
Since I am no longer part of any university system of academia, research has required an extra measure of creativity. Without an official affiliation, access to most journals is complicated at best and usually impossible. My local library has access to Galileo, which has been helpful and I’m grateful for it. However, as an independent researcher, I’ve been limited in submitting to many journals unless working with affiliated scholars.
A new acquaintance sent me a link to the National Coalition of Independent Scholars (NCIS), an academic non-profit organization for scholars like me, people outside “tenured academia.” There is an application process that requires prior contributions (e.g. publication) to a field of study, so there is credibility in having the affiliation.
I’m excited to explore what NCIS offers. I’m also grateful to have open opportunities for research within the academic community as well as access to peer-reviewed journals, grants, and a community of other independent scholars to help me continue to grow as a learner and researcher.
