Fulbright Don DeBats Distingushed Chair in Politics and Public Policy

Flinders University, in partnership with the Australian-American Fulbright Commission, invites leading scholars from the United States to occupy the Fulbright Don DeBats Distingushed Chair in Politics and Public Policy.

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Scholarship Eligibility

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Apply now for 2026

The Fulbright Don DeBats Distinguished Chair in Politics and Public Policy (funded by Flinders University) is designed to attract full or associate U.S. professors with distinguished academic careers and significant publication and teaching records, to conduct collaborative research at Flinders University, housed within the Jeff Bleich Centre for Democracy and Disruptive Technologies (JBC).

The position allows full or associate professors with distinguished academic careers, and significant publication and teaching records to conduct collaborative research at Flinders University for 4–5 months.

At Flinders University, the Distinguished Chair is affiliated with the College of Business, Government and Law. They are also encouraged to associate with the Government Discipline and the Jeff Bleich Centre for the Democracy and Disruptive Technologies.

We are looking for research that contributes to an advancement of understanding of the use and regulation of emerging technology for positive social impact. In particular this may address ways of shaping policy, laws and political behaviours to enhance national security, governance of society and democracy through technological change. It may also address the risks of such technologies

2025 FulBright Don DeBats Distingushed Chair in Politics and Public Policy

Professor Aaron Fellmeth | Arizona State University

Aaron Fellmeth is the Dennis S. Karjala Professor of Law, Science, and Technology at the Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law. Professor Fellmeth is a leading expert in public international law, international business transactions, and intellectual property law. Before coming to ASU, Professor Fellmeth clerked for the Office of the General Counsel of the U.S. International Trade Commission and at the United Nations Office of Legal Affairs. He then spent seven years at international law firms practicing international business law, public international law, and intellectual property law. He is a board member of the International Law Association's American Branch, Co-Chair of its International Human Rights Committee, and a former board member of Amnesty International USA.

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Specialisation

Applications addressing applied public policy concerns are sought, particularly those related to Democratic Resilience. Applications must focus on a significant, current, applied public policy issue at an international and/or national policy level.

Scholarship Entitlements

A monthly stipend for a maximum of 5 months (minimum 4 months)
Accommodation allowance for a maximum of 5 months (minimum 4 months)
International travel entitlement
Travel allowance for an Australian lecture tour
Eligibility to apply for coverage under Australian Medicare
(Scholar only)
A limited Accident and Sickness Program for Exchanges (ASPE) Health Benefits Plan, designed by the U.S. Department of State and administered by Seven Corners, Inc. Please note this plan is NOT an insurance policy
Support from the Fulbright Commission to assist with administration, visas and general enquiries
Dependents of scholars who will be enrolled in the Australian public school system in grades K-12 may have tuition fees waived
Orientation and networking opportunities
Support from the Commission prior to and during program

Scholarship Eligibility

Specific to this award:

Must include a Letter of Invitation from Flinders University with the application
Must be at associate or full professor level with relevant disciplinary experience

General criteria for all Fulbright Awards: