US-AT Bridge Award

The US-AT Bridge Award recognizes outstanding alums of Fulbright Austria and the Austrian Marshall Plan Foundation whose work, leadership, and commitment have strengthened the relationship between Austria and the United States. 

Presented by the Austrian Marshall Plan Foundation and Fulbright Austria, the award celebrates individuals who build and sustain transatlantic bridges across education, research, innovation, economic cooperation, and social or cultural exchange. 

Building transatlantic connections 

Applications will be evaluated based on innovation, transatlantic relevance, and measurable impact. 

At its core, the award celebrates individuals—not individual projects—whose sustained contributions demonstrate how academic exchange, civic engagement, institutional leadership, and professional collaboration can make a lasting difference when rooted in shared democratic values and mutual trust. 

Awarded in cooperation with the Austrian Marshall Plan Foundation

Award categories 

The US-AT Bridge Award will be presented in two categories: 

  • Bridge Award AT->US: Recognizing impact from Austria to the United States. 

  • Bridge Award US->AT: Recognizing impact from the United States to Austria. 

 

Eligibility 

All alums of Fulbright Austria and the Austrian Marshall Plan Foundation are eligible for nomination. 

The award is intended for individuals who have experienced transatlantic exchange firsthand and who have subsequently used that experience to contribute actively and meaningfully to US-Austrian relations in their fields, communities, or institutions. 

 

Nominations 

Self-nominations are encouraged and must include a letter of support. Third-party nominations do not require a letter of support. 

Third-party nominations are equally welcome, provided that the nominee has given their consent. 

The nomination period will run from October to the end of December 2026. 

All nominations must specify the award category, include an impact statement (maximum 1,000 words), a letter of support (in case of a self-nomination), a curriculum vitae, and, in case of third-party nominations, written consent from the nominee. All nominations for the US-AT Bridge Award must be submitted online in Fulbright Austria’s application management system.  

Instructions for submitting a nomination 

  1. Click the link below to get to the portal. 
  2. Click on “Create account now.” 
  3. Fill in the basic profile information, which also serves as the basic application information. 
  4. You will receive an email; click the link in the email to verify your email address. 
  5. Now you can log into the portal. 
  6. From your dashboard, go to “Start a new application.” 
  7. Select the US-AT Bridge Award. 
  8. The system will guide you through the various pages of the application and direct you to submit once all required fields have been completed. 

Apply now

Timeline 

31 December 2026: Submission deadline 

March 2027: The inaugural US-AT Bridge Award ceremony will take place, bringing together awardees, partners, alums, and representatives of the US-Austrian community.