Fulbright Distinguished Chair in Science, Technology, and Innovation (CSIRO)
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.
CSIRO is Australia's national science research agency. At CSIRO, we solve the greatest challenges using innovative science and technology. We are one of the largest and most diverse scientific research organizations in the world. Our research focuses on the biggest challenges facing our nation.
The Fulbright Distinguished Chair in Science, Technology and Innovation (funded by CSIRO) will conduct innovative scientific research related to critical challenges facing the U.S. and Australia. During their term (5-6 months), the Chair will work on a specific research project aligned with priority areas of research for CSIRO that will lead to ongoing collaborative partnerships between Australia and the U.S. The Chair will also be expected to engage in outreach and networking activities within CSIRO and across the Australian Innovation system through occasional guest lectures, seminars and/or community interactions.
The Commonwealth Science and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) has multiple locations throughout Australia.
CSIRO is Australia's leading multidisciplinary research organization with a mission to deliver impact for the benefit of industry, society, and the environment. CSIRO is committed to excellence and innovation in scientific research, along with promoting international scientific liaisons, and dissemination of information about science and technology. CSIRO has the following research flagships: agriculture; biosecurity; digital productivity; energy; food and nutrition; land and water; manufacturing; mineral resources; oceans and atmosphere.
Grants must start in January/February 2026 in line with the Australian academic year and to attend the Orientation Program and Gala Presentation Dinner in February.
CSIRO will consider proposals to conduct research in areas that are aligned to our strategic research directions. Candidates must identify a CSIRO Business Unit to host their research visit, from the following:
- Food and Agriculture
- Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness
- Data61
- Energy
- Health and Biosecurity
- Land and Water
- Manufacturing
- Minerals Resources
- National Collections and Marine Infrastructure
- Oceans and Atmosphere
- Space and Astronomy
Projects that are relevant to more than one Business Unit are encouraged, but a Primary host Business Unit must be identified
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 request a letter of invitation from CSIRO
- Contact your CSIRO contacts and colleagues to discuss joint research interests and a potential research visit (preferred) OR
- If you do not already have a contact at CSIRO, the CSIRO Research Office will forward your expression of interest to relevant research teams to consider. Send the following to ro@csiro.au:
- Your CV
- A brief outline of your research proposal (1/2 page maximum)
- Name of the CSIRO Business Unit most relevant to host your visit
- Name of the specific research group or person you propose to visit (if known)
- Preferred CSIRO site, if any. (NB: CSIRO has over 50 sites across Australia).
Open to senior academics at the level of associate or full professor by the grant start date with a distinguished career in the proposed field. If you are not at the level of associate or full Professor at the time of application, but will be by grant start, please include information about your career progression and timeline in the personal section of your project statement.
Following the review process, short-listed applicants will be invited for a virtual interview with a Fulbright Selection Committee in Australia.
Australian-American Fulbright Commission
For more information, please visit our East Asia and the Pacific regional webpage and 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$4000 (approximately USD$2,600).
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
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 2026 in line with the Australian academic year and Fulbright orientation activities.
Applicants may contact the Scholarships 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.