FULBRIGHT AWARDS

Fulbright-Ulster University Distinguished Chair Award in American Studies

Each year, one award is offered to a US citizen to contribute to the intellectual life of the  University of Ulster through seminars, public lectures and curriculum development in American Studies. Specializations may include dance, drama, music, design and creative technologies, English, history, international politics, peace and conflict studies, and Celtic and Irish Studies.

The appointment will be for a period of 6 months beginning at any point from 1 August 2011 to 30 April 2012. Candidates will be selected by the Fulbright Commission and the Council for the International Exchange of Scholars (CIES) to receive a grant to be used towards related travel and maintenance costs.

Award Benefits

The award is for £25,000 plus accommodation. Fulbright Distinguished Chairs are invited to participate in a wide range of events, and benefit from a variety of additional opportunities provided by the Commission. Staff members guide scholars through the UK visa application process and assist them with opening UK bank accounts. An annual 3-day orientation takes place in mid-September, a 5-day Fulbright Forum highlights a specific place or region of the UK each January (South Wales in 2010), and a Farewell ‘End-cap’ weekend is planned around each 4th of July weekend (Scotland in 2010).

Fulbright-Scotland Visiting Professors also receive free institutional memberships with The Royal Society for the Encouragement of Arts, Manufactures & Commerce (RSA), and The English-Speaking Union (ESU), and are invited to participate in events by Common Purpose and the Institute of Ideas Debating Matters competition. Scholars are also encouraged to deliver a free public lecture at the prestigious Gresham College (est. 1597) in London. The Commission arranges for a UK alumni partner and seeks to introduce Fulbright Distinguished Chairs to relevant senior/high-profile contacts.

Selection Criteria

Minimum eligibility for this award category:

Specializations may include dance, drama, music, design and creative technologies, English, history, international politics, peace and conflict studies, and Celtic and Irish Studies.

Preference will be given to those who do not have extensive experience in the UK.

In making these awards the Commission is looking not only for academic excellence but a focused application, a range of extracurricular and community activities, demonstrated ambassadorial skills, a desire to further the Fulbright Programme and a plan to work for the betterment of the home and host countries both during and after studies.

Applying

Applicants must draw up a detailed project outline and provide evidence that the University of Ulster will agree to act as host and supervisor. Applicants should identify and make contact with whom they wish to work. Chairs will be expected to develop a long-term link between their home institution and the University of Ulster.

Applications are made online through the Council for International Exchange of Scholars (CIES). You will be able to log in and out of your application account and will not be required to complete the application in one sitting.

The online application facilitated by CIES is used by Fulbright Commissions worldwide and each Commission sets its own policies and procedures with country-specific information for making an application for a Fulbright Award in their country. It is imperative that you read the Terms and Conditions on this website before submitting your application.

Applicants should review the FAQs before submitting an application. Applicants are also encouraged to register to the Fulbright Commission’s website to receive updates from the Commission.

Successful applicants will be invited for telephone interviews with Fulbright Commission senior staff on the date(s) listed below. Interviews will be held on the indicated date(s) only and may not be rescheduled.

Proposals must receive endorsement from the University of Ulster, which the Fulbright Commission will seek on behalf of successful applicants.

Timeline

1 February - Competition opens, applications available at CIES
1 August - Application deadline
August-February - Applications evaluated, short-listed candidates invited to interview
early March - Telephone Interviews
mid-March - Notification
April-June - Fulbright scholar paperwork preparation
early August-late April - Independent arrival, participation in Orientation and the Fulbright Forum events in London, Your Fulbright Year begins!