About the Award

To mark the 80th anniversary of the Fulbright Program in 2026, the Australian-American Fulbright Commission is proud to establish the Fulbright 80th Anniversary Distinguished Chair — a prestigious commemorative award recognising eight decades of educational and cultural exchange between Australia and the United States.

This special one-off Distinguished Chair award will bring an eminent American academic, public intellectual, or senior policy leader to Australia to undertake a high-profile program of research, teaching, public engagement, and strategic dialogue.

The award celebrates the enduring impact of the Fulbright Program in advancing mutual understanding, intellectual exchange, and international collaboration. It also reinforces the contemporary relevance of the Australia–United States relationship through scholarship, leadership, and public engagement at the highest level.

The Distinguished Chair will undertake a program designed to foster collaboration with Australian institutions and scholars, contribute to national conversations on issues of shared importance, and engage with emerging researchers, students, policymakers, and the broader public.

Field of Study

Open across disciplines, with particular interest in proposals aligned with areas of shared strategic importance, including:

  • Science, Technology and Innovation
  • Indo-Pacific Strategy and Global Affairs
  • American Excellence
  • Education, Knowledge and the Public Good
  • Public Policy and Civic Leadership
  • Law, Governance and Democracy
  • Arts, Culture and Society
  • Proposed Activities

The Distinguished Chair program may include:

  • A flagship Fulbright 80th Anniversary Lecture
  • Public conversations and policy roundtables in multiple Australian cities
  • Research collaboration with Australian scholars and institutions
  • Mentorship and engagement with emerging researchers and students
  • Collaboration on research outputs or future bilateral initiatives
  • Engagement with Fulbright alumni and partner organisations
  • Public commentary and thought leadership connected to the anniversary year

Eligibility

General Criteria

Must be a U.S. citizen.
Must not be a dual citizen of Australia.
Must be residing in the U.S. at the time of application.
Must not have already commenced this project in Australia.
Must hold a significant record of academic, professional, or public achievement.

Award Criteria

Must include a letter of invitation from a relevant Australian host institution (university, think tank, research institute, or comparable organisation capable of supporting a nationally significant public engagement and research program)
Must be at full professor level or equivalent with relevant disciplinary experience.
Open across disciplines, with particular interest in proposals aligned with areas of shared strategic importance, including Science, Technology and Innovation; Indo-Pacific Strategy and Global Affairs; American Excellence; Education, Knowledge and the Public Good; Public Policy and Civic Leadership, or Arts, Culture and Society.

Benefits

Monthly Stipend:

for a maximum period of 6 months (minimum 5 months).

International Travel Allowance:

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).

Domestic Conference Travel Allowance:

To assist with visits to other Australian institutions.

Australian Medicare:

Eligibility to apply for coverage (awardee only, not dependents).

Accident and Sickness Program for Exchanges (ASPE):

A limited Health Benefits Plan designed by the U.S. Department of State and administered by Seven Corners, Inc. Please note this plan is NOT an insurance policy.

Orientation and Gala:

Travel, accommodation, transport and meals at the Fulbright Orientation and Gala Presentation Dinner.

Support and Guidance:

From the Commission prior to and during program

About the Sponsor

Fulbright at 80

The Fulbright 80th Anniversary Distinguished Chair has been established to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Fulbright Program and celebrate the enduring contribution of international educational exchange to scholarship, diplomacy, innovation, and mutual understanding.

Funded by Fulbright Australia, the award reflects the Fulbright Program’s ongoing commitment to intellectual leadership, public engagement, and strengthening ties between Australia and the United States through ideas, collaboration, and shared purpose.

Distinguished Chair
5-6 Months
1 award (commemorative award for the 2026 anniversary year)
Any Location (AUS)
Applications are now closed.