Funder: Fulbright Scholar Program
Due Dates (Anticipated): September 2027 (Application) | September 2027 (Recommendations) | September 2027 (Invitation letter)
Funding Amounts: $6,000/month living allowance plus $500/month research stipend for 3–5 months, with travel and baggage allowances
Summary: Supports experienced U.S. scholars and professionals participating in Iceland’s deep-drilling research on superhot geothermal resources.
Key Information: A PhD or other terminal degree is required; work must be hosted at the University of Iceland or Reykjavik University.
Description
This Fulbright Distinguished Scholar Award supports research and professional projects through the Iceland Deep Drilling Project (IDDP-3). Scholars work with Reykjavík Energy and partner institutions to investigate the nature, viability, and utilization of superhot and supercritical geothermal resources at approximately 400°C and depths of 3–4 kilometers. Approximately two recipients are supported, with hosting at the University of Iceland or Reykjavik University.
The award connects Iceland’s experience operating geothermal systems in volcanic environments with U.S. directional-drilling work in non-volcanic settings. Collaboration can address high-temperature drilling, corrosion-resistant materials, well integrity and casing design, reservoir monitoring, hydrology and permeability enhancement, corrosion and scaling mitigation, subsurface characterization, and superhot enhanced geothermal systems. The goal is to advance geothermal research while strengthening U.S.–Iceland cooperation and international understanding.
