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.
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.
The Jeff Bleich Centre for Democracy and Disruptive Technologies at Flinders University, South Australia.
The Jeff Bleich Centre for Democracy and Disruptive Technologies (JBC) is a research centre in the College of Business, Government and Law, Flinders University. The JBC recognises that democratic values and institutions need strengthening in order to flourish in democratic societies. It also recognises the disruptive nature of some technological advances, including the positive social impact that some of these technologies can facilitate, as well as the misuses that can undermine public trust and democratic values and processes.
"In today's fast-paced, globalised world, the Jeff Bleich Centre for Democracy and Disruptive Technologies is dedicated to adapting nations to new battle spaces, where digital advancements reshape how we live, work, and defend our values.
For over a century, Australia and the United States have exemplified a model alliance, proving that trust between nations can lead to strength, prosperity, and security. As we face evolving challenges, the centre recognises the need for new alliance models. With security threats now extending to space and cyber, the centre aims to adapt, leveraging the unparalleled trust, technical prowess, and work ethic of the United States and Australia. Together, these nations strive to address security threats that surpass traditional boundaries, affecting everything from governance to alliances with close partners.
I am honoured that Flinders, with its focus on technology, its innovative scholarship, and its strong connections to defence leaders in both nations, will be its home. I am grateful to be part of this effort and committed to give all I have — including my own name — to advancing the success of its mission." (Ambassador (ret) Jeff Bleich)
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.
Projects must relate to one of the three areas of focus of the Jeff Bleich Centre:
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).
Please contact Rodrigo Praino from Flinders University to discuss projects and obtain the required 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.
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.
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.
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 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 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.
Visit our Scholar Directory to view and search all Fulbright alumni. You can also learn more about Fulbright Alumni Ambassadors.