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Fulbright Commission in Ireland Announces Launch of Application Period, New Cybersecurity Awards

PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Friday 31st August 2018: The 2019-2020 Fulbright Irish Awards supporting Irish and EU citizens to study, research, or teach in the USA are now open for application.  The deadline for applications is 6 November 2018.

The Fulbright Commission is delighted to announce two new Awards: the Fulbright TechImpact Cybersecurity Award at Georgetown University and the Fulbright TechImpact Cybersecurity Award at Boston College. Both awards will explore aspects related to cybersecurity.

Fulbright Irish Awards are open to all disciplines and the Commission partners with agencies to offer funding specifically in the areas of Museum Studies, Health, Geoscience, Marine Studies, Agriculture, Environmental Protection, Business Innovation, Law, and Irish language.

The Commission has received a significant increase in funding for 2019-2020 from both the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Cultural and Educational Affairs.  An approximate three-fold increase in the value of Irish Student Awards for taught course programmes will serve to encourage longer award periods in the U.S. and to enhance cultural immersion. In addition, two U.S. LL.M. Awards (at Notre Dame Law School and The Indiana University Maurer School of Law) now offer a full fee waiver, which will make these Awards more accessible.

The Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht has also increased funding towards the Foreign Language Teaching Assistant (FLTA) Programme, which supports Irish language teachers to go to the USA.

The globally-recognised Fulbright awards were founded by Senator J. William Fulbright in 1946 “to expand the boundaries of human wisdom, empathy and perception” through educational and cultural exchange.  Successful candidates receive a monetary grant, accident and emergency insurance, visa administration, cultural and professional programming, and an introduction to a vast international professional and academic network.

The application deadline is 4pm, 6 November 2018. To learn more about the Fulbright Awards visit www.fulbright.ie.

Interested candidates are welcome to attend TEDxFulbrightDublin 2018 at the Tivoli Theatre on 9 September. This event will include talks from a number of Fulbright Alumni.  Visit www.tedxfulbrightdublin.ie for further information.

An Tánaiste, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Mr Simon Coveney T.D. said: “The Fulbright Awards continue to play a central role in deepening educational links between Ireland and the United States, allowing students and researchers to develop their talents and expertise in a range of areas. We are delighted to announce an increase in funding towards these endeavours and look forward to seeing the outcomes of such collaborations.”

The U.S. Embassy Chargé d’affaires Mr. Reece Smyth said: “We are delighted with the launch of the 2019-2020 Fulbright Irish Awards period. Cyber threats know no boundaries or borders. The new TechImpact Awards will link cybersecurity experts and academics in both our countries, leading to better protection for our businesses and our citizens.”

Chair of the Board of the Fulbright Commission in Ireland, Dr Sarah Ingle said: “As a previous Fulbright awardee, I strongly encourage students and scholars in all disciplines to review and consider the variety of awards on offer this year, particularly the new awards. Fulbright offers a huge opportunity for professional and personal advancement and is a life-changing experience. The Commission welcomes applications from suitably qualified, well-rounded individuals, with the capability to undertake the role of an Irish cultural ambassador within the context of teaching, research and scholarship.”

Executive Director of the Fulbright Commission in Ireland, Dr Dara FitzGerald said: “Fulbright has always been about people, the knowledge they share and the issues that matter. The Fulbright programme in Ireland is wholly supported by government, agency and higher education institutions. We are delighted that this year has seen significant increase in funding from both the Irish and U.S. Governments. This will lead to an approximate three-fold increase in Commission funding for Irish Student Awards in 2018. It will also see a 2.5 fold increase in Commission funding for U.S. Student Awards in 2018, and a 40% increase in funding for U.S. taught Masters Awards for Irish students. We expect to maintain these increased award levels for 2020-2021 Irish and U.S. Awards. We also look forward to seeing the fruits of our new partnerships with Boston College and Georgetown University.”

ENDS

For further information please contact:
Emma Loughney
, Fulbright Commission: Emma.loughney@fulbright.ie / 01-6607670

 

 

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