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Forum 2009

The US-UK Fulbright Commission hosts an annual cultural emersion programme for all American Fulbright Scholars currently studying, researching and lecturing in the UK each January (which for most participants falls mid way through the Fulbright year).

In 2009, Forum was expanded to five full days. The 2008-09 US grantees gathered together to experience various aspects of British society, politics and government. Events took place in London, Edinburgh and Glasgow giving scholars a taste of all that the capital city has to offer while also introducing them to the largest cities in Scotland.

The week was full of top events and featured a number of sessions that engaged the scholars with contemporary British society. On the evening of 13 January, scholars, Fulbright alumni, and many other ‘friends of Fulbright’ gathered in a Committee Room within the House of Commons for a panel discussion led by Baroness Falkner about Jim Sciutto’s (a Fulbright alumnus and London correspondent for ABC News) recently published book ‘Against US: the New Face of America’s Enemies in the Muslim World‘. Scholars Amina Merchant, Justin Simeone, Cassandra Farrin and Farah Shareef each gave their comments and opinions of the book and a lively discussion followed. The event, seen as one of the highlights of this year’s Forum, was generously sponsored by the British Fulbright Scholars Association (BFSA).

The Scholars were treated to an ‘after hours’ tour and reception at the stunning Dovecot gallery in Edinburgh (above right). Located in a recently refurbished disused public swimming pool, the impressive space now displays beautiful works of tapestry and other contemporary art whilst providing the supplies and tools to support working tapestry artists, including several very large looms.

On 15 January the Scholars participated in a unique visit to the Scottish Parliament. They were escorted on a personal tour of the stunning facility by Robin Harper MSP (right), who also kindly arranged a Q&A with scholars just minutes after First Minister’s Questions (bottom right). That same evening scholars, alumni and many guests attended a reception at the Scottish Parliament where the Commission’s new Scottish Government partnership was formerly announced.

One scholar said of the reception, ‘It made me feel that the Fulbright connection is a lot wider then just our immediate group! I also felt like it was a chance to publicise the program and share about what I’m doing’. 

The remaining portion of the week was spent exploring Edinburgh and Glasgow including visits to Fulbright Partnership Universities, the University of Edinburgh and the University of Glasgow.

Without a doubt, the 2009 Forum was a successful event that gave the Scholars a chance to see Parliament both in England and in Scotland, experience the contrasts of the landscape and culture throughout the UK and to engage in the various activities and opportunities provided for them.

One scholar reflected, ‘I’ve come away from Forum with a much better knowledge of how the UK works and some great friendships with a number of non-London based Fulbrighters. I feel incredibly fortunate to be a part of such a wonderful group of people.’

Forum 2010 will take place in London and in Wales.