U.S. Specialist awards
What are they?
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT CALL FOR HOST APPLICATIONS: In support of the Fulbright Commission in Ireland’s strategy towards increasing diversity, equity and inclusion of the Fulbright Program, the call for applications from Irish host institutions for hosting Fulbright Specialists in 2024 will be open to the five Technological Universities in Ireland, only:
- Technological University Dublin
- Munster Technological University
- Technological University of the Shannon: Midlands Midwest
- Atlantic Technological University
- South East Technological University
Each Technological University may submit up to three applications. Each application will be considered on its own merit, in competition with its own University as well as other Technological Universities.
The Fulbright Specialist Program (FSP), part of the larger Fulbright Program, was established in 2001 by the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA). The program is a field-driven initiative in which foreign host institutions conceptualize and design projects of interest within an eligible discipline that represent a priority for their respective organizations. These projects are then matched with a highly qualified U.S. academic or professional, who shares their expertise and assists with strengthening linkages between U.S. and foreign host institutions.
The Fulbright Specialist Awards allow interested Irish institutions to bring U.S. citizens to Ireland for a period of two to six weeks. These awards are a creative and cost-effective way to access U.S. academics and professionals who may not be free to come for longer periods as part of the Fulbright U.S. Scholar Awards, but nevertheless wish to become a Fulbright awardee.
Fulbright Specialists can be brought in to assist with any aspect of institutional development, such as new courses, research programs, or administrative structures. Host institutions to tailor projects to their own needs. However, all projects should have an education or training focus. Due to the short-term nature of the exchange, projects should have concrete objectives that can be achieved over the course of the Specialist’s visit. Past Specialists have supported host institutions by conducting activities such as:
- Delivering a seminar or workshop
- Consulting on faculty or workforce development
- Developing academic or training curricula and materials
- Lecturing at the graduate or undergraduate level
- Conducting needs assessments or evaluations for a program or institution
*Personal research projects, including clinical medical research or projects involving patient contact, are not eligible for funding under the Fulbright Specialist Program.
Participating host institutions benefit by:
- Gaining global perspectives from experienced U.S. academics and professionals;
- Executing projects that require a rapid response or flexible timeline through short-term, year-round exchanges;
- Building sustained relationships with individuals and institutions in the U.S.;
- Expanding opportunities for staff and students and increasing connection with the Fulbright Program and international network
U.S. Specialist Program Application Instructions
