Funder: Fulbright Scholar Program
Due Dates (Anticipated): September 2027 (Application) | September 2027 (Recommendations) | September 2027 (Invitation letters—not applicable to this award)
Funding Amounts: One-time $2,500 honorarium plus travel, living support, limited health benefits, and equipment; 12-month award
Summary: Supports early-career U.S. scientists in collaborative Antarctic biological research and sustained U.S.-Chile scientific partnerships.
Key Information: Applicants must have no more than seven years’ experience as a teacher or scholar; dual U.S.-Chilean citizens are ineligible.
Description
The U.S.-Chile Fulbright Antarctic Science Exchange is a Fulbright Chile initiative developed jointly with the Instituto Antártico Chileno (INACH). It brings early-career U.S. scientists and postdoctoral researchers together with Chilean counterparts to investigate Antarctic biological systems. Approximately five participants from each country collaborate under INACH’s scientific leadership, with field research at Professor Julio Escudero Base on King George Island.
Research combines field sampling and laboratory analysis, focusing on extremophiles and molecular adaptation. Topics include microbial diversity, physiological and biochemical responses to environmental stress, terrestrial ecology, and biotechnology. Virtual collaboration and programming at Chilean research institutions help the cohort jointly develop research questions and methods. The program aims to establish lasting laboratory partnerships, joint projects, and bilateral Antarctic scientific cooperation.
