Fulbright Award in Space, Atmosphere, Ocean, Climate, Energy and Data Science / AIR Centre
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.
Support the development of the mission-oriented approach of the Atlantic International Research Centre (AIR Centre) in the context of the disciplines identified in scope of the Atlantic Interactions initiative:
- Marine resources and biodiversity;
- Healthy and clean oceans;
- Earth Observation from deep ocean to near space;
- Mitigation and adaptation to climate change;
- Sustainable energy systems;
- Data science,
with focus on innovation in multi-national collaborative networks and creative approaches to the transatlantic cooperation to improve the understanding of the ocean and coastal systems as a whole.
The activity will involve the identification of relevant players from science, industry and administration in the USA and the countries associated with the AIR Centre and the promotion of workshops and meetings to develop the research agenda and identify research projects, new services and products and business opportunities.
Associação para o Desenvolvimento do Atlantic International Research Centre (AD AIR Centre), Portugal.
The activity will take place at the AD AIR Centre Office in Lisbon and AD AIR Centre HQ and Earth Observation Laboratory located in the Science and Technology Park–Terinov in Terceira Island, Azores.
Lisbon and Terceira Island, Azores Archipelago, Portugal.
Four to six months, to be agreed between host and candidate.
Grant dates are flexible: preferred starting month is March 2023, as agreed with the Portuguese host institution.
Specializations:
- Environmental Sciences;
- Biological Sciences;
- Computer Science;
- Data and Information Sciences;
- Mathematics;
- Physical Oceanography;
- Aerospace Engineering.
While this award is open to any project in the Disciplines and Specializations listed above, there is interest in scholars who are in these particular specialty areas:
- Clean and productive bays and estuaries
- Resilience to coastal natural hazards
- Sustainable food production (fisheries, aquaculture and precision / smart agriculture)
- Improved management of marine and coastal resources
- Improved environmental and maritime monitoring
Letter of Invitation is optional.
If applicants can obtain the letter of invitation, the letter of invitation must express the host's interest in the project and describe the proposed activities and timeline for the project; it must be written in English and printed on institutional letterhead.
Priority areas of experience/capacity are:
- Multinational distributed collaborative networks;
- Innovative / creative approaches to transatlantic cooperation for improving the understanding of the Ocean and Coastal systems (with a focus in the Atlantic).
Applications are sought in all appropriate disciplines, but the following technical disciplines as academic / technical background are preferred:
- Integration of satellite data and in-situ observations into assimilative models
- Articial Intelligence and Deep Learning applied to Earth Observation
- Earth Observation in support of Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation
- Development of Earth Observation concepts and prototypes for operational services and produtcs
Monthly stipend of €2,800 (approx. $3,168), in a total of:
- €11,200 (approx. $12,672) for 4-month grants.
OR
- €14,400 (approx. $15,840) for 5-month grants;
OR
- €16,800 (approx. $19,008) for 6-month grants.
Award allowance is paid in a lump sum on the first month of the grant.
(Exchange rate of December 1, 2021)
A travel allowance of €1,100 (approx. $1,245), to be paid on the first month of the grant.
(Exchange rate of December 1, 2021)
Funding for dependents who stay with the scholar during the entire period of the grant:
- Maintenance allowance: monthly allowance of €250 (approx. $283) per dependent, to be paid in a lump sum on the first month of the grant;
- Travel allowance: €1,100 (approx. $1,245), per dependent, to be paid on the first month of the grant (roundtrip travel receipts are mandatory);
- Tuition allowance: monthly tuition allowance of €500 (approx. $566) per dependent, when attending a private school, to be paid in a lump sum on the final month of the grant (monthly receipts are mandatory);
- Portuguese study allowance: €300 (approx. $339) per dependent, when attending private Portuguese language and culture classes, to be paid on the final month of the grant (receipt is mandatory).
(Exchange rate of December 1, 2021)
Dependents must accompany the grantee for at least 80% of the period abroad and a minimum of one semester in order to qualify for additional dependent benefits. Dependent benefits are not provided to Flex grantees.
The host (with FCT support) will contribute with a monthly housing allowance of €750 (approx. $849) or provide housing in an apartment or residence for scholars.
The host institution will provide computer facilities, internet access and e-mail, office space, access to laboratory facilities and transportation.
(Exchange rate of December 1, 2021)
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.
Portugal
Over the last decades, Portugal has seen remarkable progress in learning, science and innovation, reflected in the quality of education offered at Portuguese universities. Internationalization and academic mobility are one of the priorities of Portuguese higher education institutions, which are increasingly attractive to a growing number of international scholars and researchers. Warm hospitality, a great climate and an affordable lifestyle also make Portugal an enticing destination.
The academic year starts in mid-September or October, depending on the higher education institution. The fall semester ends in December and the spring semester starts in February and ends in May or June. In general, Portuguese faculty and students have good proficiency of English language; students can speak and understand enough to attend classes taught in English.
The Commission for Educational Exchange between the United States of America and Portugal - Fulbright Commission Portugal strives to be a collaborative and innovative organization and is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion.
We seek to ensure that all our grants, programs and activities reflect the diversity of U.S. and Portuguese societies and are open to people regardless of their ethnicity, sex, age, religion, geographic location, socioeconomic status, disability, sexual orientation or gender identity. We work every day to build a culture of inclusiveness, respect for diversity, and understanding of the many differences that enrich the Fulbright Program.
Applicants requiring additional information and support are encouraged to contact U.S. Program Manager, Dora Reis Arenga (darenga@fulbright.pt), prior to submitting an application. Additional information regarding host institutions and details of the individual openings are available from IIE and the Fulbright Commission Portugal (www.fulbright.pt), in Lisbon.
Visas:
Fulbright U.S. grantees are responsible for obtaining a Temporary Stay Visa to Portugal. The Commission can provide informal assistance but the Portuguese Embassy and Consulates are the sole authorities in matters pertaining to visa issues. Grantees should carefully look into visa information and start the visa application well in advance of travel.
For additional information about National Temporary Stay Visas or the Portuguese Republic's Consular Network in the U.S.A, visit the Diplomatic Portal.
Prospective applicants can find information about Fulbright U.S. Scholar alumni on the Commission's website: https://www.fulbright.pt/fulbrighters/u-s-grantees/.
Visit our Scholar Directory to view and search all Fulbright alumni. You can also learn more about Fulbright Alumni Ambassadors.
Assistance will be provided by Dr. Emir Sirage, Chief Operations Officer, E-mail: emir.sirage@aircentre.org, Telephone: (+351) 910 971 031.