Fulbright Canada and Vanderbilt University Announce a New Visiting Research Chair at the Jean and Alexander Heard Libraries

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NASHVILLE, December 3, 2024 – Fulbright Canada and Vanderbilt University announced a new partnership, signing a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at Vanderbilt University’s Jean and Alexander Heard Libraries on December 3, 2024. This marks the second five-year MOU between the organizations, underscoring a shared commitment to advancing academic collaboration and fostering innovative research. 

“As Vanderbilt University strives to strengthen its global engagement, we want to ensure that the world comes to our campus as well,” University Librarian Jon Shaw said. “This partnership will bring scholars from across Canada to Nashville to engage not only in groundbreaking research and discovery but also with the dynamic people, entrepreneurial initiatives and innovative information resources that comprise and define the Heard Libraries.” 

Since the establishment of the first Fulbright Visiting Research Chair at Vanderbilt University in 2007, the partnership has facilitated cross-disciplinary research in fields including literature, history, political science, environmental sciences, sociology, law, and philosophy. To date, Vanderbilt has hosted 15 Fulbright Canada Research Chairs and 3 Visiting Chairs, with scholars contributing to the intellectual vibrancy of the University through public lectures, seminars, and collaborative projects.

“The new Fulbright chair is emblematic of the interdisciplinary, collaborative approach that is core to our work in the College of Arts and Science,” said Timothy P. McNamara, Ginny and Conner Searcy Dean of the College of Arts and Science. “This partnership will advance our scholarship in meaningful ways, building important bridges across borders and disciplines.”

This new partnership, initiated by Shaw and Vanderbilt Professor of French and Comparative Literature Robert Barsky, builds on a shared legacy of academic excellence and innovation. Both organizations address pressing contemporary challenges through collaborative research and cross-border knowledge exchange. From fostering deeper understanding in the humanities and social sciences to driving advancements in STEM disciplines, the new MOU symbolizes a mutual commitment to strengthening ties between Canada and the United States.

Eighteen Canadian Fulbright Scholars have come to Vanderbilt thanks to Fulbright Canada, including Professor of History, Dr. R. Blake Brown of Saint Mary’s University, who served as the inaugural Fulbright Canada Visiting Chair, and Associate Professor Karis Shearer of the University of British Columbia (Okanagan) where she directs the AMP digital archive, and researches Canadian modernism and women’s labour in poetry communities.

“Since 2007, Fulbright Canada and Vanderbilt University have worked together to push the boundaries of knowledge, foster global collaboration, and nurture the next generation of thought leaders,” said Dr. Michael Hawes, President and CEO of Fulbright Canada. “This new partnership reaffirms our shared vision and our resolve to empower scholars who address the complex challenges of our time. We look forward to the next five years of impactful collaboration.”

Visit our website to learn more about the Fulbright Canada Research Chair at Vanderbilt University.

ABOUT FULBRIGHT CANADA

Established in 1946, the Fulbright Program has supported over 325,000 students, scholars, teachers, professionals, scientists, and artists across 155 countries. It remains one of the world’s most distinguished academic honours. The program aims to foster mutual understanding and academic excellence.

Fulbright Canada is a bi-national, treaty-based, non-governmental organization that identifies and supports exceptional scholars and students in Canada and the United States by providing academic exchange programs through merit-based grants.

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ABOUT VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY

Founded in 1873, Vanderbilt University is internationally recognized for its transformative education and research. The university’s 10 schools reside on a park-like campus set in the heart of Nashville, Tennessee, providing a collaborative culture that empowers leaders of tomorrow. In addition to offering an immersive residential undergraduate experience, Vanderbilt is deeply committed to expanding the global impact of its innovation and research as it increases opportunities for faculty, students and staff to pursue bold new ideas and discoveries. Learn more at vanderbilt.edu.

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