June 24th, 2010: Press Release – From the Bronx to Berkeley
23 IRISH FULBRIGHT AWARDEES OFF TO THE US
Thursday 24th June 2010–The Minister for European Affairs, Dick Roche T.D., and the U.S. Ambassador, Dan Rooney, officially announced details of the 23 successful Irish Fulbright Awardees for 2010-2011 at a ceremony in Iveagh House, Dublin. These scholarships have provided Irish students, scholars and professionals with the opportunity to study, lecture and research at top universities and institutions in the U.S. since 1957.
This year’s Irish recipients have been accepted to leading institutions including Columbia University, the University of Notre Dame, Princeton, Yale and Berkeley. Out of the 23 scholarships and awards, 9 are for research projects in the areas of science, technology, environment, health and medicine. The demand for Irish language teachers in the U.S. continues to grow and this year 8 Irish awardees will spend time teaching the language and lecturing in Irish culture. The remaining 6 recipients will conduct study and research in law, music and other humanities and social science disciplines.
One of the most prestigious awards being given is the Fulbright International Science and Technology Award to Mr Ronan McGovern who will enrol on a fully funded PhD in Engineering worth $300,000 at the highly acclaimed Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
Speaking at the event, Dick Roche T.D, Minister for European Affairs said: “Diversity is at the heart of the Fulbright Programme and the broad range of disciplines represented – science, music, Irish language and Heritage, medicine, law, technology and art history – is a credit to the many talents of the Irish awardees. Educational exchanges are key to strengthening the close and friendly ties between countries and I am delighted to see so many Irish grantees raising interest abroad in our values, our language, our heritage and our culture.”
Ambassador Rooney said about the Fulbright Scholarships and Awards, “The U.S. and Ireland have had a proud tradition of collaboration through the Fulbright Scholarship for over 50 years. I congratulate the 23 Irish recipients here today and encourage each of you to make the most of your time in the U.S. As Fulbright Awardees, your experience will not only be a valuable resource for you but also for your country on your return.”
Una Halligan, Chairperson of the Fulbright Commission of Ireland said: “Education and innovation are crucial to the future growth of Ireland’s economy. The U.S. remains the premier destination for scientific study and research and these Fulbright scholarships offer recipients the opportunity to collaborate with some of the finest minds in the world. We were extremely impressed with the high calibre of applications this year which made the selection process particularly difficult. However, we are confident the 23 successful candidates will do an exceptional job in each of their respective universities and representing Ireland.”
The Fulbright Scholarships and Awards are presented on an annual basis to Irish students, scholars and professionals to undertake postgraduate study and research at higher education, cultural and related institutions in the United States. Applications are encouraged in all disciplines including the visual and performing arts.
ENDS
For further information please contact: Pippa Halley, Communications & Information Officer, Fulbright Commission 01- 660 7670 pippa.halley@fulbright.ie
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