Visiting Scientist Program (VSP)

Prior to the establishment of a formal program specifically for visiting scientists, USP hosted a two-week lecture demonstration series for Brazilian scientists in 1978. After this meeting, Daniel Banes suggested bringing Brazilian scientists to USP for training in pharmacopeial methods, and the WHO agreed to fund two fellowships, leading to visits from USP's first foreign fellows.

USP created the VSP in the late 1980s to provide opportunities for the development of scientists committed to pharmacopeial work and to foster international recognition and harmonization of USP–NF standards. Over the next decade, USP welcomed visiting scientists from Finland, Spain, Germany, Italy, Lithuania, Russia, Poland, China, Indonesia, Australia, Nigeria, and Argentina. Visiting scientists have worked in the Drug Information Department, Drug Standards Division, and the Drug Research and Testing Laboratory. Many of the visiting scientists have studied the revision process and committee and organizational structures, and have gone on to hold distinguished positions within their respective organizations.