Fulbright Forum - Newsletter of the Fulbright Academy - April 2009

Some Quotes from Conference Attendees:

"For me, the Annual Conference became a highlight of early spring 2009!  A brave decision by the FAST board took the annual Small Places can Change the World Conference to an exotic location that is not on many peoples’ radar screen - what followed must rank as a major success. Despite a frosty world economic climate ..., the warmth of the Fulbrighters made the event a memorable intellectual bonanza. Macedonia needs the kind of attention that such a conference brings to a small country trying to emerge from many years of communism – FAST has done this country, its Fulbrighters and its ambitious citizens a great service"

"The panel discussions were, of course, of high quality, but I believe the real value of such conferences lies in the opportunities to network. I think I made some connections that will be long-lasting; be it career-related or personal. "

"Hey Eric, thanks again for organizing this. Please invite me to next years conference! I'm saving up for it, no matter where in the world it might be."

Our Fourth Annual Conference was held two weeks ago in Macedonia, with nearly 100 participants from a dozen countries. The conference was highlighting innovative ideas that have arisen from projects and research in small countries, in recognition that innovation happens worldwide, not just in the G-20 nations.

Science & technology highlights included visits to research labs at South East European University and Saints Cyril & Methodius University, and a walk through an archeological dig of 5th century AD Church/monastery in Ohrid. The participants also discussed presentations and papers from nearly two dozen researchers on topics relating to economic development, business development, information stechnology and R&D.

Cultural highlights were a wine tasting sponsored by three local wineries and visits to the Museum of Macedonia's major collection of religious icons, the Swiss Embassy's art gallery for an exhibit of modern art in Macedonia, the Tourism school in the historic city of Ohrid that has been supported by the Austrian Development Agency and a production by the Macedonian Opera & Ballet Company. 

Click here for conference photos, presentations and the list of key partners. Our partners in Macedonian played a major role in organizing and hosting the four-day conference, providing about $25,000 of cash and in-kind support as well as access to fascinating scientific and cultural institutions. FAST is very grateful to them for their assistance - the conference would not have been possible without it. We look forward to strengthening the relationships among alumni in the Balkans in the coming years.

Corporate and institutional partners in many parts of the world have made it possible for FAST to carry out its work. A key focus for our work is science and technology innovation; therefore, many partners are outside of the academic community. During the past several months, FAST has received funds and in-kind support from entities such as.

• Booz Allen Hamilton  (global consulting firm)
• Deloitte Touche Tomatsu (global consulting firm)
• Hunton & Williams  (global law firm)
• Macedonian Enterprise Development Foundation
• Microsoft
• Pal Kris & Donev Wineries
• Seavus  (global IT consulting firm)

If you have contacts in the corporate world, please ask them to support our work. Despite the global downturn, many firms are still able to provide in-kind support and services.

Fulbright scientists are involved in several upcoming conferences. Several have been in contact with FAST about their involvement, and the conferences are listed below.

If you are organizing a conference - or a panel at a conference - please tell us about it so that other Fulbright scholars can know about your program.

Environmental History - August 4-8, WCEH2009, Copenhagen, Denmark

The First World Congress on Environmental History will explore topics such as environmental perceptions, historical geography, agricultural/land-use history, forest policy, disease & pollution and cross-disciplinary research. FAST is working with Fulbright alumni to host a program during the Congress. Abstracts for papers are due by April 20.  www.wceh2009.org

Psychology - American Psychological Association - August 6-9, Toronto, Canada

Last year, the APA conference had a special program for Fulbright scholars, and over 100 Fulbrighters participated in programs such as a reception with Mrs. Harriet Fulbright, a poster session and a discussion on the impact of Fulbrights.  Some of the outcomes of that meeting are online on the APA website, and many Fulbrighters will be attending the 2009 conference in Canada.  www.apa.org/international/fulbright.html 

International Chemistry Education - August 16-20, American Chemical Society, Washington, DC

A new FAST member is organizing a symposium at the ACS Annual Conference. "Collaborations between scientists often transcend borders and cultural differences. The fundamental nature of science allows scientists to communicate using their knowledge of their field but the institutions that support them are often hindered by financial and cultural barriers. As a result, US students are often unaware of opportunities for chemistry study in countries other than the United States. This symposium will discuss ways in which barriers to cross-cultural scientific exchange can be lowered."  We are seeking papers on international exchange programs, classroom methods, and international experiences. In particular, authors from organizations with a vested interest in chemists with a global perspective are encouraged to present. Please contact FAST for details.