Number of recipients
The Fulbright Distinguished Chair in Cyber Information Influence, Funded by The University of Adelaide, seeks exceptional U.S. researchers who specialize in the field of cyber-mediated information influence to undertake related research in Australia.
The successful applicant will undertake collaborative trans-disciplinary research with like-minded experts at the University of Adelaide for 3-6 months. The Distinguished Chair will engage with faculty, staff and students through guest lectures, seminars, and one-on-one interactions and will explore long-term collaborations and institutional linkages between their home institution and the University of Adelaide. Opportunities for collaborative research exist in the disciplines of international security, cognitive and social psychology, mathematics, linguistics, and cyber-AI. Scholars are encouraged to collaborate with the host institution and give workshops or short seminars but should not teach intensive seminars or coursework.
The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia
The University of Adelaide unites and serves individuals striving to change the world—and themselves—for the better. It is a place where history is made.
Established in 1874, the university is home to around 29,000 students and 3,000 staff, all working toward creating progress for everyone in the community. Ranked among the top 100 global universities, the University of Adelaide is located in the heart of the city of Adelaide, a place known for breaking new ground. It was Australia’s first university to welcome female students, the first to offer science and business degrees, and the first to establish a conservatorium of music.
Among those who have studied, taught, or conducted research at the university are Australia’s first female prime minister, a space-walking astronaut, an Indigenous Rhodes Scholar, and a female Supreme Court judge, state governor, and university chancellor. In addition, the university has been home to the 2021 Young Australian of the Year, the 2020 Australian of the Year, and five Nobel Prize winners.
The university’s bold spirit continues to drive excellence in research. As the only member of Australia’s prestigious Group of Eight research-intensive universities in South Australia, the University of Adelaide rises to global challenges across a vast range of fields. Its research is universally rated world-standard or above*, with output in 41 distinct areas—such as space sciences, materials engineering, artificial intelligence, cardiorespiratory medicine, crop production, and environmental science—recognized as ‘well above’ world standard.
In teaching, the university is ranked among the top 100 globally in 24 subject areas†. In eight of those—including computer science and dentistry—it is ranked in the top 50. The University of Adelaide also leads the state in graduate employability‡. Its degrees combine deep discipline knowledge with broad, transferable skills, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for a multidimensional career in the future workforce.
* Excellence in Research Australia, 2018 (the most recent assessment date).
† Total unique entries across QS World University Rankings by Subject (2022), Academic Ranking of World Universities by Subject (2022) and Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject (2022).
‡ QS Graduate Employability Ranking, 2022.
Grants must start in January/February 2027 in line with the Australian academic year and to attend the Orientation Program and Gala Presentation Dinner in February.
What is “cyber information influence”?
Vulnerabilities caused by the use, misuse and ‘weaponization’ of information continue to grow. New threats from state and non-state actors are evolving rapidly and include malign social influence, cyber warfare, and cyber-physical attacks. The impact of this contest in the information environment stretches well beyond the military, as our reliance on access to information pervades every aspect of our lives. This reliance has increased our vulnerability to social manipulation through mis- and disinformation, identity theft, and hacking of major critical infrastructure.
Fulbright East Asia Pacific Regional Travel Program
As conditions allow, Fulbright Scholars in the East Asia and Pacific (EAP) region may have the opportunity to apply for funds to support short-term (3-14 days) travel to other countries in the EAP region for activities such as lectures, workshops, graduate or faculty seminars, master classes or recitals, curricular advising, or panel presentations. EAP Regional Travel Program funding covers transportation only. Regional Travel Program activities/host sites should not be included in the initial Fulbright application. Scholars may start the process of seeking out invitations for short-term activities in other EAP countries once notified that they have been selected for a Fulbright grant but will only be able to apply for travel program funds, conditions permitting, once they have actively started their Fulbright grant in their host country. Scholars on flex grants are not eligible for the regional travel grant.
All applicants must meet the Program eligibility requirements (click to review the requirements).
To discuss potential projects and negotiate a Letter of Invitation please contact the Defence and Security Institute via defence@adelaide.edu.au. If you encounter any difficulties in obtaining a letter of invitation, please reach out to the Commission's Programs Team via email.
Open to senior academics with 10+ years' academic experience in the proposed field. The sponsor is interested specifically in applicants at the level of associate or full professor by the grant start date with a distinguished career in the proposed field.
Following the review process, short-listed applicants will be invited for a virtual interview with a Fulbright Selection Committee in Australia.
You may be asked to participate in an interview as part of the in-country selection process.
Interviews will be conducted virtually between December 2025 and February 2026. The Commission will reach out to shortlisted applicants to invite them to a 20-minute interview. Candidates are provided with details of the interview at the time of invitation, including how to prepare for the day.
Interview committees are comprised of various panellists, including but not limited to sponsor representatives, alumni, and university academics in the applicant's field.
The Commission's website can be found here: Australian-American Fulbright Commission
For more information, please view our schedule of upcoming webinars. Email the East Asia and the Pacific Team with questions about applying.
A stipend of AUD$8,000 (approximately USD$5,275) per month for a maximum period of six months, this amount includes living expenses and an accommodation allowance. A separate domestic conference travel allowance of AUD$4,000 (approximately USD$2,600) is also provided on a reimbursement basis.
Round-trip, economy class airfare directly to and from the scholar's home city and the city of the host institution capped at 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
Travel and accommodation for all Scholars to the Fulbright Orientation Program and Gala Presentation Dinner, held annually.
Access to Fulbright Alumni in Australia prior to arrival to assist in preparation for the visit and while in Australia for social and professional networks.
Access to Australia’s National Health Care Cover Scheme (Medicare) is a benefit for U.S. Fulbrighters in Australia. Please note: Medicare enrolment can be subject to administrative delays. We therefore recommend that Medicare be considered only as supplemental coverage alongside your Fulbright-provided ASPE limited health benefits and your own comprehensive travel insurance and/or personal U.S. medical insurance.
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.
All programs 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.