Watch the video version or scroll down for the static text version of our 2022 year in review.
2022: A year in review
31 December 2022We have had a busy and exciting year here at Fulbright Austria. Each day this month, we looked back at significant milestones of 2022—advent-calendar style!
1 Nobel Prize winner
On day one of our year in review, we reflect on Nobel prize winner and Fulbright Austria alum Anton Zeilinger. In 1976–77, Anton Zeilinger studied at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) as an Austrian Fulbright student. 45 years later, Anton received the 2022 Nobel Prize in Physics jointly with Alain Aspect and John F. Clauser “for experiments with entangled photons, establishing the violation of Bell inequalities and pioneering quantum information science.”
2-day virtual seminar
On day two of our year in review, we reflect on the Fulbright Seminar in American Studies. This year, the annual event took place in our virtual community space on gather.town and included thought-provoking talks, research presentations, and networking activities for the more than 50 current US and Austrian students, scholars, and teaching assistants in attendance. The event closed with in-person regional networking dinners in Graz, Innsbruck, and Vienna.
Learn more about the 2022 Fulbright Seminar in American Studies
3 countries 1 grant
On day three of our year in review, we reflect on the Fulbright Global Scholar Award. In September 2022, Fulbright Austria welcomed to Austria Global Scholar Fausto Sarmiento, whose research project on human-environment interactions will take him to three countries in total: Austria, Japan, and Chile. Fausto is an internationally recognized leader of montology and full professor of geography at the University of Georgia, where he also directs the Neotropical Montology Collaboratory. The Fulbright Global Scholar Award allows US academics and professionals to engage in multi-country, transregional projects. Applications are welcome from a wide range of scholars–early-career academics, professors emeriti, and independent scholars–and from all disciplines, including those with an interdisciplinary focus.
4 Specialists
On day four of our year in review, we reflect on the Fulbright Specialist Program. Fulbright Austria welcomed four Specialists to Austria in 2022: Patrick O'Shea and Denise Sutton (2021–22) and Paul Edmunds and Dena Shottenkirk (2022–23). The Fulbright Specialist Program pairs highly qualified US academics and professionals with Austrian host institutions to share their expertise, strengthen institutional ties, gain international experience, and learn about Austrian culture while building capacity at their Austrian host institution.
5 US Fulbright scholars
On day five of our year in review, we reflect on our fall 2022 cohort of five US Fulbright scholars. In the course of our three-day, hybrid orientation, grantees enjoyed expert talks and alum panels on Zoom, a walking tour around Vienna's historic Ringstraße, and a reception hosted by the US ambassador to the Republic of Austria, HE Victoria Reggie Kennedy, at the ambassador’s residence—an orientation highlight each year.
6 decades
On day six of our year in review, we reflect on the 60th anniversary of Fulbright Austria administering the US Teaching Assistantship program. Since 1962, Fulbright Austria has been responsible for recruiting US citizens to teach in Austrian secondary schools as part of a program managed by the Austrian Federal Ministry of Education, Science, and Research (BMBWF). More than 4,000 US teaching assistants (USTAs) have made a difference in hundreds of thousands of young Austrians’ lives over the last six decades.
© Barbara Lachner7 months of teamwork
On day seven of our year in review, we reflect on our newest team member, Kristina Temelkova. Kristina was born in a small town in Bulgaria and moved to Vienna, Austria, to pursue a degree in higher education. In 2021, she graduated with a BA in English and American studies from the University of Vienna, where she is currently enrolled in the master’s program for applied linguistics. Her studies focus on interdisciplinary approaches that aim to find solutions to real-life problems stemming from the interplay between language, culture, and society. Kristina recently joined Fulbright Austria as a project assistant, and we have enjoyed working with Kristina over the last seven months and look forward to continued collaboration in the new year.
© Barbara Lachner8 alum chats
On day eight of our year in review, we reflect on alum chats featuring eight Fulbright Austria alums. Opening the 2022 alum chat series on 8 February, Fulbright Austria alums Katherine Baber and Casey Hayes interviewed each other to discuss negotiating musical culture in Austria, the LGBTQI+ movement, Paul O’Montis, Leonard Bernstein, Viennese cabaret, and the Weimar era.
On 8 March, Fulbright Austria alums Hannelore Veit and Gregory Perreault interviewed each other to discuss digital journalism, journalism during the pandemic, coverage of a presidential campaign, doubt in the media, and sport journalism.
On 12 July, 2021–22 US Fulbright combined grantees Zoe Goldenberg-Hart and Thomas Pawlowski interviewed each other to discuss their work with refugees, COVID-19, and adaptability. #
In the fourth and final alum chat of the year on 14 July, Sara Butler and Chase Yakaboski, recipients of the 2021–22 US Fulbright-Austrian Marshall Plan Foundation Award, interviewed each other to discuss quantum programs and testing limits in the fields of physics, astronomy, and music.
Thank you to the Botstiber Institute of Austrian-American Studies (BIAAS), who co-organized two alum chats featuring former recipients of the Fulbright-Botstiber Award in Austrian-American Studies in Austria.
9 provinces
On day nine of our year in review, we reflect on the USTA program, which places teaching assistants in all nine provinces across Austria. Between January and December 2022, US citizens filled 288 USTA placements, assuming their roles as native speakers in secondary schools across Austria and exposing young Austrians to native speakers and inspiring mutual understanding and cultural exchange.
10 public lectures
On day 10 of our year in review, we reflect on 10 public lectures given by nine US Fulbright scholars and students that took place in institutes of higher education across Austria.
- Daniel Binswanger Friedman, the 2021–22 IFK Junior Fellow, gave a virtual Fulbright lecture at the IFK on 24 January 2022 entitled "Rede in Rede/Rede von Rede;"
- Jana K. Lipman, associate professor at Tulane University and the 2021–22 Fulbright-Diplomatic Academy Visiting Professor of International Studies, gave a hybrid Fulbright lecture at the Diplomatic Academy of Vienna on 1 March and at the University of Vienna on 10 March entitled “In Camps: Vietnamese Refugees, Asylum-Seekers, and Repatriates;”
- Donna Dodson, a 2021–22 Fulbright-Q21/MuseumsQuartier artist-in-residence, helped to organize and participated in a virtual event on 28 March entitled “Award-Winning Animators Making Amazing Animations!;”
- Jan Krawitz, professor of film at Stanford University and the 2021–22 Fulbright-Karl Franzens University Graz Visiting Professor in Cultural Studies, gave an in-person Fulbright lecture at the University of Graz on 24 May entitled “Documentary Filmmaking and Ventriloquy: The Illusion of Objectivity;"
- Julie Ann Elston, professor of business at Oregon State University – Cascades and the 2021–22 Fulbright-Kathryn and Craig Hall Distinguished Chair for Entrepreneurship in Central Europe, and Andy Van Schaack, associate professor in the Department of Engineering Management at Vanderbilt University and the 2021–22 Fulbright-Johannes Kepler University Linz Visiting Professor, participated in an in-person conference organized by the Diplomatic Academy of Vienna and the Botstiber Institute for Austrian-American Studies in cooperation with the Austrian Marshall Plan Foundation at the Diplomatic Academy of Vienna on 10 June entitled “Recharging Austro-American Relations;"
- Maria San Filippo, associate professor of visual and media arts at Emerson College and the 2021–22 Fulbright American Studies (Lecturing Award) Visiting Scholar, gave a hybrid Fulbright lecture at the University of Innsbruck on 28 June entitled “Full-Frontal Feminism: Sex Scenes in Jane Campion’s Turn of the Millennium Trilogy;”
- Ricardo Ainslie, M. K. Hage Centennial Professor in Education in the Department of Education at the University of Texas at Austin and the 2021–22 Fulbright-Freud Visiting Lecturer of Psychoanalysis, gave an in-person Fulbright lecture at the Sigmund Freud Museum on 30 June entitled “City and Psyche: A Psychoanalytic Exploration of Architecture and Subjectivity;”
- Kate Johnson, the recipient of a 2021–22 Fulbright-Mach Award, gave an in-person public lecture recital with selected Walter Bricht Lieder and US songs at the Laudon Palace on 27 July; and
- Chuixiang Yi, professor at Queens College of the City University of New York and the 2022–23 Fulbright-University of Innsbruck Visiting Professor, gave an in-person Fulbright welcome presentation at the University of Innsbruck on 10 October entitled “Forest resilience and climate change.”
© DA/Claudio Wedenig11 October: FOLD Symposium
On day 11 of our year in review, we reflect on the first annual FOLD Symposium, which was organized by Fulbright Austria alums Julia Pataky, Sibel Uranüs, and Hannes Aichmayr in collaboration with the Austrian Fulbright Alumni association. On 11 October 2022, the symposium included keynote remarks from: HE Victoria Reggie Kennedy, US ambassador to the Republic of Austria; Alma Zadić, Fulbright Austria alum and current Austrian minister of justice; Heinz Faßmann, Fulbright Austria alum and current president of the Austrian Academy of Sciences; and Hannelore Veit, Fulbright Austria alum and president of the Alumni Association of the University of Vienna. The more than 70 alums, partners, and friends in attendance were also able to engage with three panel discussions on human rights in Europe, education in a post-pandemic world, and transatlantic perspectives on diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility.
12 days of giving thanks
On day 12 of our year in review, we reflect on our “12 Days of Giving Thanks” social-media campaign in the run-up to our biggest fundraising event of the year, Thank Fulbright – Thanksgiving. This year, we placed a special emphasis on exploring mutual understanding and cultural exchange through the lens of food. To conclude our online celebrations, we shared the first Fulbright Austria digital cookbook, which showcases holiday recipes from current program participants and alums on both sides of the Atlantic.
13 Fulbright Austria Alum Advisory Panel members
On day 13 of our year in review, we reflect on the Fulbright Austria Alum Advisory Panel, which is now 13 members strong! As part of its efforts to deepen professional outreach, fundraising, and development initiatives, Fulbright Austria established the Alum Advisory Panel in 2017. In April 2022, Fulbright Austria renewed the advisory panel and welcomed nine returning and two new panel members from both sides of the Atlantic. Fulbright Austria executive director Hermann Agis and alumni relations manager Mitch Sims bring the total number of members to 13. The advisory panel also celebrated the outstanding contributions of three members who had completed their two-year terms.
Learn more about the Fulbright Austria Alum Panel and how to join the 2023 panel
14 Austrian Fulbright students
On day 14 of our year in review, we reflect on the 14 Austrian Fulbright students from 10 different home institutions who departed for the US this year as part of the 2022–23 Austrian Fulbright Student Program. Austrian students are currently enrolled at 11 host institutions in eight different US states and pursuing degrees in 10 different disciplines that range from architecture and agriculture to social work and public health.
15 alums in NYC
On day 15 of our year in review, we reflect on the 15 alums who attended the first Fulbright Austria stateside meet and greet in New York City. On 30 October 2022 current and former Austrian and US program participants met at Beer Authority to mingle with one another, hear about new program developments at Fulbright Austria, and learn about upcoming activities.
16 1160: Ottakring
On day 16 of our year in review, we reflect on the going-away Heuriger for USTA program participants in Vienna’s 16th district. Fulbright Austria invited its departing cohort of US teaching assistants (USTAs) to say "bussi, baba" to each other and their host country at the traditional Viennese wine tavern 10er Marie on 11 May 2022. Approximately 60 USTAs joined Fulbright Austria's executive director Hermann Agis, program officer Katharina Hütthaler, and OeAD program coordinator Brigitte Stockinger-Resch for a celebratory evening.
17 June: Going-Away Heuriger
On day 17 of our year in review, we reflect on the going-away Heuriger for Fulbright program participants on 17 June 2022. Outgoing Austrian Fulbright students, scholars, and FLTAs joined homegoing US Fulbright students and scholars at the traditional Viennese wine tavern Müllers Heuriger & Weingut. US grantees received certificates of completion to celebrate the conclusion of their grant period, and all attendees had the opportunity to network and exchange experiences with one another before departing for the US.
18 FLTAs & Austrian Fulbright scholars
On day 18 of our year in review, we reflect on both the nine FLTAs and the nine Austrian scholars who departed for the US this year. FLTAs are currently teaching at nine host institutions in seven different US states, and Austrian scholars pursued research and teaching opportunities at eight host institutions in seven different US states in disciplines that range from communication and economics to biology and environmental sciences.
19th year of the Fulbright Prize in American Studies
On day 19 of our year in review, we reflect on the Fulbright Prize in American Studies, which Fulbright Austria has awarded for the past 19 years. This year's Fulbright Prize in American Studies was awarded to Christoph Straub for his doctoral thesis “Cinematic Sovereignty: A Trans-Indigenous Study of Indigenous Women in Contemporary Indigenous Film,” which was supervised by Prof. Ralph J. Poole at the Paris Lodron University of Salzburg.
Learn more about the Fulbright Prize in American Studies and this year's winner
© Jana Pflaeging20 US Fulbright scholars
On day 20 of our year in review, we reflect on our spring 2022 cohort of 20 US Fulbright scholars. In the course of our two-day hybrid orientation, grantees enjoyed expert talks and alum panels on Zoom, a meal at a local Viennese restaurant, and a walking tour around Vienna's historic Ringstraße.
21 September: Ambassador’s reception
On day 21 of our year in review, we reflect on the annual Fulbright reception hosted on 21 September 2022 at the residence of the US ambassador to the Republic of Austria, HE Victoria Reggie Kennedy. Guests included the incoming cohort of US students and scholars, the returning cohort of Austrian students, scholars, and FLTAs, USTA regional advisors, and alums, partners, and friends of Fulbright Austria.
© Adrian Almasan22 November: TU Wien fair
On day 22 of our year in review, we reflect on the study fair Fulbright Austria/EducationUSA attended on 22 November 2022 at TU Wien—our first in-person international study fair since the start of the pandemic! USTA program officer and EducationUSA educational adviser Katharina Hütthaler together with Fulbright student program officer and EducationUSA educational adviser Darrah Lustig were on site to promote Fulbright Austria programs and EducationUSA advising services to students of TU Wien.
23 days of "culture clash" competition
On day 23 of our year in review, we reflect on the “clash of cultures” photo/video competition that took place at the start of the program year. Over the course of 23 days, current program participants were invited to interpret the theme as they adjusted to life in their respective host country at the start of their programs.
24 May: SummerFest
On day 24 of our year in review, we reflect on our third annual SummerFest, which took place this year on 24 May 2022. Over 130 current program participants, alums, partners, and friends from both sides of the Atlantic joined us for the post-pandemic return of Fulbright Austria’s SummerFest in MuseumsQuartier Wien’s Arena21 and Ovalhalle, where we commemorated Fulbright Austria having administered the BMBWF's US Teaching Assistantship (USTA) program for the last 60 years. Together we celebrated and recognized the community's generosity and the impact Fulbright and USTA experiences have had on the lives of individuals and communities in Austria and the US.
The evening kicked off with words of welcome from: Hermann Agis, executive director of Fulbright Austria; Barbara Weitgruber, chair of the Fulbright Austria board; Teta Moehs, treasurer of the Fulbright Austria board; and Lothar Hofmann, president of the Austrian Fulbright Alumni association. The event concluded with a keynote speech by 2020–22 USTA Allison Gilmore and an electronic music performance by 2021–22 US combined grantee Conor Bulkeley-Krane. A raffle comprised of more than 30 prizes generously donated by our diverse community members—including a personal tour of the Museum moderner Kunst (mumok) and dinner with a board member—enhanced our core fundraising activities.
Learn more about and see more photos from our 2022 SummerFest
© Barbara Lachner25: Christmas
All of us at Fulbright Austria wish you a merry Christmas!
26 returning Austrian Fulbright grantees
On day 26 of our year in review, we reflect on our third annual homecoming event at which we celebrated the return of 26 Austrian Fulbrighters. Hosted on 2 September 2022 in the MuseumsQuartier’s Raum D, the event included opening remarks from: Hermann Agis, executive director of Fulbright Austria; Barbara Weitgruber, chair of the Fulbright Austria board; Teta Moehs, treasurer of the Fulbright Austria board; Lothar Hofmann, president of the Austrian Fulbright Alumni association; and Julia Pataky, representative of the Fulbright Austria Alum Advisory Panel. Additionally, Fulbright Austria presented returning grantees with certificates and held a reception for alums, partners, and friends to meet the returning grantees.
© Adrian Almasan27 US Fulbright students
On day 27 of our year in review, we reflect on our fall 2022 cohort of 27 US Fulbright students. In the course of our three-day hybrid orientation, grantees enjoyed expert talks and alum panels on Zoom, a walking tour around Vienna's historic Ringstraße, and a reception hosted by the US ambassador to the Republic of Austria, HE Victoria Reggie Kennedy, at the ambassador’s residence—an orientation highlight each year.
© Adrian Almasan28 hyphenated partner awards
On day 28 of our year in review, we reflect on the 28 hyphenated partner awards that Fulbright Austria is proud to offer for US scholars and students. In the past year, Fulbright Austria has concluded a new mobility agreement with the University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna (mdw) that offers exciting opportunities for performing US artists and a new partnership with Paracelsus Medical University in the field of life sciences, thereby establishing the second Fulbright visiting-professor opportunity at a medical university in Austria following our partnership with the Medical University of Innsbruck in 2021.
Learn more about our new partnership with Paracelsus Medical University
© Hertha Hurnaus
© Franz Oss29 November: Thank Fulbright – Thanksgiving
On day 29 of our year in review, we reflect on our sixth annual Thank Fulbright – Thanksgiving, which took place on 29 November 2022 at Waldviertlerhof. Fulbright Austria continued its annual Giving Tuesday tradition and celebrated with current program participants, alums, and friends of Fulbright Austria over a traditional dinner to celebrate and recognize the incredible contributions from within our community. We are full of thanks that over 65 donors contributed more than €10,000 to help future bright minds shine even brighter. We would also like to give thanks to the Austrian Federal Ministry of Education, Science and Research, which will be matching these generous donations 1:1!
Learn more about our 2022 Thank Fulbright – Thanksgiving
© Adrian Almasan30 countries
On day 30 of our year in review, we reflect on the EducationUSA Europe and Eurasia (EUR) Regional Forum, which included representatives from over 30 countries. Fulbright Austria executive director Hermann Agis and USTA program officer and EducationUSA educational adviser Katharina Hütthaler were on site in Belgrade, Serbia, from 19 to 21 September 2022 to engage with EducationUSA staff, explore strategies to ensure the success of international students on US campuses, and increase knowledge about current trends in US higher education.
31 December: New Year's Eve
Today, 31 December, means 2022 is a wrap! Enjoy the video version of our advent calendar-style review of the past twelve months. We look forward to another exciting year in 2023 and wish you all einen guten Rutsch ins neue Jahr!
