Fulbright scholars to strengthen US research ties

Fullbright logo on merchandise
Fulbright scholarships support recipients for professional development in the United States

Academic staff from the University of Melbourne have been named Fulbright scholars and recognised for the impact and depth of their research.

The scholarships support recipients for professional development in the United States, promoting cultural and educational exchange between nations. A US academic has also been selected to continue his studies at Melbourne.

This year, eight of the nine recipients have an association with the University of Melbourne and US resident Courtland Adams will come to Melbourne to further his knowledge in environmental science.

One of this year’s successful applicants, Professor Peter Hudson, will travel to New York to develop a comprehensive strategy to improve support for patients with advanced disease and their family caregivers.

Professor Hudson, Director of the Centre for Palliative Care based at St Vincent’s Hospital and a Collaborative Centre of the University of Melbourne, also holds a number of roles on international boards and is well known for his practice, education and research in the field of palliative care.

Professor Sundhya Pahuja, Professor of International Law and the Director of the Institute for International Law and the Humanities at the Melbourne Law School, has been awarded a Fulbright Senior Fellowship to spend four months at Harvard.

Professor Pahuja will be studying the role of the corporation in the history of international law within a context of global inequality.

Dr Simon Graham is a McKenzie postdoctoral fellow and Poche associate at the University of Melbourne and this year’s recipient of the Fulbright Indigenous Postdoctoral Scholarship.

His research looks at developing public health interventions that aim to decrease the rates of sexually transmissible infections and viral hepatitis among young people.

He will spend 10 months at the Centre for HIV Educational Studies & Training, City University of New York. Dr Graham says being a Fulbright scholar offers a valuable opportunity to expand his research skills and connect with international researchers.

“I am looking forward to working with American researchers in developing innovative ways to communicate with young people through social media and phone applications that empower them to make informed sexual choices about their own health,” Dr Graham said.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor (International) and Deputy Provost Susan Elliott said the scholarships highlight the University of Melbourne’s world-class reputation for teaching and learning.

"The University of Melbourne produces outstanding graduates and the Fulbright program allows students to address important research questions through partnerships within world leading US universities,” Professor Elliott said.

Fulbright Scholars for 2016:

* Professor Sundhya Pahuja - 2016 Fulbright Professional Scholarship

* Professor Peter Hudson – 2016 Fulbright Professional Scholarship

* Dr Simon Graham – 2016 Fulbright Indigenous Postdoctoral Scholarship

* Professor Calum Drummond – 2016 Fulbright Senior Scholarship

* Dr Marcel Zimmet – 2016 Fulbright Professional Scholarship

* Dr Brendan Quinn – 2016 Fulbright Postdoctoral Scholarship

* Mr Daniel McNamara – 2016 Fulbright Postgraduate Scholarship

* Ms Rachelle Cole – 2016 Fulbright Postgraduate Scholarship

* Mr Courtland Adams (US) – 2015 Fulbright Postgraduate Scholarship