U.S. – Chile Fulbright Antarctic Science Exchange
hasta October 15, 2026, at 4:00 PM (Continental Chile time)
The U.S.-Chile Fulbright Antarctic Science Exchange offers Chilean early-career researchers and postdoctoral scholars the opportunity to join a binational scientific cohort with U.S. counterparts, focusing on Antarctic research. Developed by Fulbright Chile in collaboration with the Instituto Antártico Chileno (INACH), the program fosters long-term scientific cooperation, field-based research, and institutional partnerships between Chile and the United States.
Participants will engage in virtual research co-design, conduct Antarctic field and laboratory work at INACH’s Professor Julio Escudero Base on King George Island, participate in synthesis activities in Punta Arenas, and undertake a research stay at a U.S. host institution. The program’s inaugural theme, “Frontiers of Life: From Genes to Ecosystems” focuses on Antarctic adaptation, biodiversity, ecology, biotechnology, and astrobiology.
Applicants should demonstrate how their experience and technical skills can contribute to a shared Chile-U.S. research framework.
hasta October 15, 2026, at 4:00 PM (Continental Chile time)
Proceso de Postulación
Applications must be submitted in English through the Fulbright Chile application platform and must include the required supporting documents by Thursday, October 15, 2026, at 4:00 PM, Continental Chile time
These documents include a research alignment statement, curriculum vitae, letters of recommendation, proof of English proficiency, a medical certificate confirming the applicant’s capacity to participate in Antarctic fieldwork, and an institutional support letter confirming the applicant’s availability to take part in all program phases, including activities in Chile and the research stay in the United States.
Applications will be reviewed based on eligibility, academic merit, alignment with the program’s Research Framework, technical expertise, collaborative profile, and readiness to participate in a binational Antarctic research cohort.
More information about specific requirements, document formats, and eligibility criteria can be found in the official program guidelines.
For questions, please contact becas@fulbright.cl.
Actividades
Selected Chilean researchers will join a binational cohort of approximately five Chilean and five U.S. early-career scientists. The program combines virtual preparation, fieldwork in Antarctica, scientific collaboration in Chile, and a research stay in the United States.
The program includes:
- Virtual cohort-building and research co-design from May to October 2027.
- Institutional and scientific activities in Santiago.
- Pre-deployment preparation and safety training in Punta Arenas.
- Antarctic field and laboratory work at INACH’s Professor Julio Escudero Base on King George Island.
- Synthesis and capacity-building activities with INACH, UMAG, and the Chilean Antarctic research network.
- A research stay of 4 to 12 weeks at a U.S. host laboratory between January and May 2028.
Áreas prioritarias
The program's inaugural theme is "Frontiers of Life: From Genes to Ecosystems" - a framework integrating five interlocking research lines organized across two tracks:
- Core: Adaptation physiology
- Core: Physiological responses to Antarctic stressors
- Core: Biodiversity and ecology
- Exploratory: Terrestrial ecology
- Exploratory: Biotechnology and astrobiology related to Antarctic extremophiles
Financiamiento
The program is funded by the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, together with the Fulbright Commission in Chile and the Instituto Antártico Chileno (INACH).
Grant benefits include support for participation in the program’s activities in Chile and Antarctica, including accommodation, meals, local transportation, Antarctic field clothing and protective gear, and access to laboratory and field equipment. The program also includes support for the Chilean participants’ research stays in the United States, including international airfare, a monthly living stipend, health and travel coverage, and administrative and visa assistance.
Final grant amounts are subject to the availability of funds and will be confirmed before the start of the academic year.
Important: Applicants are encouraged to review the official program guidelines for detailed information on grant benefits, allowances, funding conditions, and applicable restrictions.