Fulbright Distinguished Scholar Award

Fulbright Distinguished Chair in Entrepreneurship and Innovation (RMIT University)

Australia

Application Deadline
Monday, September 15, 2025
Award Code
261235-AU
Activity Type
Research
Research includes activities involving scientific research, qualitative research, quantitative research, and practice-based research, including artistic research. Research can take place in locations such as the laboratory, the field, the archives, or an artist residency. It can be experimental, clinical, or applied. It can include examining policies, systems, theories, methods, interactions, and works of art and music, with the objective to evaluate or develop new knowledge or works. Quantifiable (tangible) outcomes can include publications (books, journal articles, scripts, etc.), conference presentations, artistic and musical compositions, exhibitions, performances, films, and patents.
Degree Requirements
Ph.D. (or other terminal degree) required
Career Profile
Professionals
Awards are open to individuals who have more than seven years of experience in a particular profession.
Senior Academics
Awards are open to those who have been working in the capacity of a teacher or scholar for more than 13 years.

Number of recipients

Exactly
1
Award Start Period
January 2027 - February 2027
Award Length
5 months or 6 months
Flex Option
No
Multi-Country/Area Award
No
Disciplines
Agriculture
Biology
Chemistry
Computer Science
Economics
Engineering
Environmental Sciences
Information Sciences/Systems
Materials Science
Mathematics
Medical Sciences
Neuroscience
Pharmacology
Physics
Public Health
Urban Planning/Studies
Scholars selected for this award will be required to
Conduct a research project of the applicant’s choosing

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.

Award Activity

RMIT University is a global university of technology, design and enterprise, focused on creating solutions that transform the future for the benefit of people and their environments.

The role of the Fulbright Distinguished Chair in Entrepreneurship and Innovation (funded by RMIT University) gives exceptional senior academics (associate or full professor) or professionals from the United States an opportunity to pursue research and/or practice of importance to RMIT in the areas of entrepreneurship and/or innovation. This position fosters collaboration between Australia and the United States to stimulate interest and build capacity in innovation and entrepreneurship. The scholarship supports a 5–6 month position.

The award is open to senior academics/researchers and/or practitioners at the level of full professor or equivalent. Professionals with an equivalent track record and experience from industry, business or government with a distinguished career in the proposed fields are also encouraged to apply.

Locations
Location Selection: Award is hosted by the institution listed below
Locations Detail

RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria

One of Australia’s original educational institutions founded in 1887, RMIT University now has 82,000 students including 12,000 at postgraduate level. The University enjoys an international reputation for excellence in professional and practical education, applied and innovative research, and engagement with the needs of industry and the cities in which they are located.

With three campuses in Melbourne (Central Business District, Brunswick and Bundoora), two in Vietnam (Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City) and a centre in Barcelona, Spain, RMIT is a truly global university.

Research at RMIT aims to solve critical global problems and to create value from research which provides others outside the academic community pathways to deliver the ultimate positive economic, societal and environmental impacts. Eight Enabling Impact Platforms have been created, each being a conduit through which breadth and depth is developed in areas of strength resulting in RMIT becoming more widely recognised for its research relevance beyond the academic world.

Award Length and Period

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.

Areas of Interest

Applications are sought in the fields of Entrepreneurship and Innovation.

Special Features

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).

Citizenship/Residency Requirement
Applicants residing in the award country at the time of application or thereafter are not eligible to apply for this award.
Dual citizens of the award country are not eligible to apply for this award.
Permanent residents of the award country are not eligible to apply for this award.
Invitation Requirement
An invitation letter is required.
Invitation Requirement Additional Information

Please contact the Research Innovation and Capability team, RMIT University via email to discuss potential projects and obtain the letter of invitation. If you encounter any difficulties in obtaining a letter of invitation, please reach out to the Commission's Programs Team via email

Language Proficiency Requirements
None, English is sufficient
Additional Qualification Information

Open to senior academics with 10+ years' academic experience in the proposed field. The sponsor is interested specifically in academic applicants at the level of associate or full professor by the grant start date with a distinguished career in the proposed field. Professional applicants should have at least 10 years' experience in their professional field and should highlight any major achievements in their applications. 

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.

Interview Requirements

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.

Award Allowances

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. 

Estimated Travel and Relocation Allowance for Grantee

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).

Do you offer additional dependent benefits
No
Estimated Cost of Living

The following tool can be used to compare cost of living between major cities: Cost of Living Comparison Tool | Compare International Cities

Special Award Benefits

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.

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

What is life like for Fulbrighters in your country?

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.

Previous Fulbright Recipients

Current U.S. Scholars profiles can be viewed here, and U.S. Scholar alumni profiles can be viewed here.

Visit our Scholar Directory to view and search all Fulbright alumni. You can also learn more about Fulbright Alumni Ambassadors.