Fulbright 80th Anniversary Distinguished Chair Award
Australia
Number of recipients
In addition to being a prestigious academic exchange program, the Fulbright Program is designed to expand and strengthen relationships between the people of the United States and citizens of other nations and to promote international understanding and cooperation. To support this mission, Fulbright Scholars may be asked to give public talks, mentor students, and otherwise engage with the host community, in addition to their primary activities.
To mark the 80th anniversary of the Fulbright Program in 2026, the Australian-American Fulbright Commission is proud to establish the Fulbright 80th Anniversary Distinguished Chair — a prestigious commemorative award recognising eight decades of educational and cultural exchange between Australia and the United States.
This special one-off Distinguished Chair award will bring an eminent American academic, public intellectual, or senior policy leader to Australia to undertake a high-profile program of research, teaching, public engagement, and strategic dialogue.
The award celebrates the enduring impact of the Fulbright Program in advancing mutual understanding, intellectual exchange, and international collaboration. It also reinforces the contemporary relevance of the Australia–United States relationship through scholarship, leadership, and public engagement at the highest level.
The Distinguished Chair will undertake a program designed to foster collaboration with Australian institutions and scholars, contribute to national conversations on issues of shared importance, and engage with emerging researchers, students, policymakers, and the broader public.
The Distinguished Chair program may include:
- A flagship Fulbright 80th Anniversary Lecture
- Public conversations and policy roundtables in multiple Australian cities
- Research collaboration with Australian scholars and institutions
- Mentorship and engagement with emerging researchers and students
- Collaboration on research outputs or future bilateral initiatives
- Engagement with Fulbright alumni and partner organisations
- Public commentary and thought leadership connected to the anniversary year
Any appropriate institution, including universities, research centers, think-tanks, museums, galleries (creative/fine arts-based projects), conservatoriums (music/composition-based projects), relevant professional and non-profit institutions, or other institutions of research and/or higher education.
We encourage programs to start in January/February 2028 in line with the Australian academic year and to attend the Orientation Program and Gala Presentation Dinner in February.
Open across disciplines, with particular interest in proposals aligned with areas of shared strategic importance, including:
- Science, Technology and Innovation
- Indo-Pacific Strategy and Global Affairs
- American Excellence
- Education, Knowledge and the Public Good
- Public Policy and Civic Leadership
- Law, Governance and Democracy
- Arts, Culture and Society
All applicants must meet the Program eligibility requirements (click to review the requirements).
All applicants are required to include a Letter of Invitation from their proposed institution with their application.
Open to senior academics with 10+ years' academic experience in the proposed field (inclusive of PhD). Must hold a significant record of academic, professional, or public achievement. Applicants with less than 10 years experience who are appropriately qualified as an associate professor, or full professor, will also be considered. Professional applicants should have at least 10 years' experience in their professional field.
You may be asked to participate in an interview as part of the in-country selection process.
Following the review process, short-listed applicants may be invited for a virtual interview with a Fulbright Selection Committee in Australia.
Fulbright U.S. Scholar Outreach and Recruitment
Institute of International Education (IIE), East Asia and the Pacific enquiries: eastasiapacific@iie.org
Fulbright Australia Team
Please contact the Fulbright scholarships team for any queries related to entitlements or application processes: fulbright@fulbright.org.au
Monthly stipend: for a maximum period of 6 months
International Travel allowance: round-trip, economy class airfare directly to and from the scholar's home city and the city of the host institution up to AUD$4,000 (approximately USD$2,600)
The following tool can be used to compare cost of living between major cities: Cost of Living Comparison Tool | Compare International Cities
Domestic Conference Travel Allowance: To assist with visits to other Australian institutions.
Australian Medicare: eligibility to apply for coverage (awardee only, not dependents)
Accident and Sickness Program for Exchanges (ASPE): a limited Health Benefits Plan designed by the U.S. Department of State and administered by Seven Corners, Inc. Please note this plan is NOT an insurance policy
Orientation and Gala: travel, accommodation, transport and meals at the Fulbright Orientation and Gala Presentation Dinner
Support and Guidance: from the Commission prior to and during program
Final grant amounts will be determined prior to the start of the academic year and are subject to the availability of funds. The United States Department of State and the Fulbright Commission in the host country reserve the right to alter, without notice, participating countries, number of awards and allowances.
Final grant amounts will be determined prior to the start of the academic year and are subject to the availability of funds. The United States Department of State and the Fulbright Commission in the host country reserve the right to alter, without notice, participating countries, number of awards and allowances.
Australia
Australia has a long and proud tradition of world-class research and development. Across all global ranking systems, criteria, and fields of study, Australia scores highly for its quality of education, student satisfaction and global reputation. In addition to working with some of the world's best and leading institutions, you'll have the opportunity to experience Australia's many natural wonders and picturesque landscapes.
Programs generally begin in Australia begin in late January/early February 2027 in line with the Australian academic year and Fulbright orientation activities.
Applicants may contact the Programs Team at the Fulbright Commission in Australia via email with any questions.
Visit our Scholar Directory to view and search all Fulbright alumni. You can also learn more about Fulbright Alumni Ambassadors.