The Fulbright Distinguished Chair Awards represent some of the most prestigious opportunities within the Fulbright program and are intended for senior‑level faculty with a record of significant academic or professional achievement. These awards support advanced teaching, research, or a combination of both, typically in close collaboration with host institutions abroad. Distinguished Chair opportunities are country‑ and discipline‑specific, with common destinations including Australia, Brazil, Finland, Sweden, and Italy.
Strong candidates are faculty who demonstrate sustained scholarly impact, leadership within their field, and prior international engagement. A robust publication record, experience managing externally funded projects, and service in academic or administrative leadership roles are often central to competitive applications. For MSU faculty considering a Distinguished Chair award, the International Research Development Office can assist with identifying appropriate opportunities and refining application materials to highlight scholarly excellence, global engagement, and institutional impact.