Fulbright Distinguished Scholar Award

Fulbright Don DeBats Distinguished Chair in Politics and Public Policy (funded by Flinders University)

Australia

Application Deadline
closed
Award Code
25224-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
Mid-Career Academics
Awards are open to those who have been working in the capacity of a teacher or scholar for more than seven, and less than 13, years.
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 2026 - February 2026
Award Length
5 months
Flex Option
No
Multi-Country/Area Award
No
Disciplines
Business
Computer Science
Economics
International Relations
Law
Philosophy
Political Science
Public Administration
Public Policy
Sociology
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

The Fulbright Don DeBats Distinguished Chair in Politics and Public Policy (funded by Flinders University) is designed to attract full or associate U.S. professors with distinguished academic careers and significant publication and teaching records, to conduct collaborative research for 4–5 months at Flinders University, housed within the Jeff Bleich Centre for Democracy and Disruptive Technologies (JBC).

At JBC, the Distinguished Chair will be affiliated with the College of Business, Government and Law. They will also be encouraged to associate with the Government Discipline and the JBC.

The University is looking for research that relates to one or more of the three areas of focus of the Jeff Bleich Centre: (1) Democracy, Participation, and Human Rights; (2) Defence, Security, and Space; (3) Artificial Intelligence, Social Media, and Disruptive Technologies.

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

The Jeff Bleich Centre for Democracy and Disruptive Technologies at Flinders University, South Australia. 

Award Length and Period

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.

Areas of Interest

Projects must relate to one of the three areas of focus of the Jeff Bleich Centre: (1) Democracy, Participation, and Human Rights; (2) Defence, Security, and Space; (3) Artificial Intelligence, Social Media, and Disruptive Technologies.

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
A letter of invitation is required.
Invitation Requirement Additional Information

Please contact Rodrigo Praino from Flinders University to discuss projects and obtain the required letter of invitation. 

Language Proficiency Requirements
None, English is sufficient
Additional Qualification Information

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.

Award Allowances

Allowances of AUD$8,000 (approximately USD$5,275) per month for a maximum period of five months. This amount includes living expenses and an accommodation allowance. A separate allowance of AUD$4,000 (approximately USD$2,600) for domestic conference travel 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
Special Award Benefits

Travel and accommodation for Scholars to the 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 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.

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.