Except in biological physics, graduate students may not apply to attend programs unless they will complete their PhDs by the time the program begins. However, long-term program participants frequently have responsibilities as mentors of students, so they either have to interrupt their visits to return home or else to bring those affiliated with them to KITP. There are many advantages of the latter for both the participant and the program, so we have created opportunities for students and junior postdocs by allotting desk space in larger rooms where affiliates can sit and work. Each program has 5 spaces per workweek for this purpose. (These five are in addition to the weekly quota for participants.) The affiliate must participate for at least three weeks within the participation dates of the mentor. The mentor must participate for at least four weeks.
Affiliates are usually still in graduate school, since postdocs may apply directly to attend programs. However, if a postdoc is not among the invited participants, they may be invited to attend as the affiliate of the more senior participant.
Affiliates must be nominated by their mentors, and participants (including coordinators and scientific advisors) will find a link to the affiliate nomination form in the Herald online application system. Outside of coordinators, participants may only nominate affiliates after they have accepted their invitations.
For outstanding graduate students who can come for an extended stay, you should encourage their nominations as Graduate Fellows. KITP provides financial support to Graduate Fellows for both local and travel expenses.