Fulbright Scholars return

America's most prestigious and talented scholars have returned to Cardiff as part of the Fulbright Forum, a high-profile annual cultural programme.

The University hosted around 60 Fulbright grantees [8-10^th January 2013] who are currently studying, researching and lecturing in the UK.

This is the second time that the University has hosted the prestigious event. The American scholars were given the opportunity to listen to lectures given by some of Cardiff's world-leading experts on topics including the Welsh in America, the genetic architecture of Alzheimer's disease and Welsh politics.

A visit to Cardiff Bay, tour of Cardiff Castle, attendance at a Plenary session in the Senedd and a traditional Welsh Twmpath (dance) were some of the cultural events featuring as part of the programme.

Sandra Elliott, Director, Communication and International Relations Division said: "Fulbright Scholars are known to be among the best scholars in the world. Many go on to be leaders in their particular fields. The Fulbright Forum represents a great opportunity for the University to showcase itself to a large number of potential future influencers. This year Cardiff is welcoming more Fulbright Scholars than any other UK university."

Established in 1948, the US-UK Educational Commission (Fulbright Commission) offers a transatlantic academic awards programme between the US and the UK. Every year, some 50 UK and 50 US citizens study, lecture, conduct research or focus on professional development at leading institutions in their host country.

Michael Scott-Kline, Director of the Fulbright Awards Programme said: "Cardiff University put on a wonderful programme for the Fulbright group – the perfect balance of academia and cultural exchange. I know many Fulbrighters chose to stay on in Cardiff for a couple of additional days - they were certainly inspired."

Cardiff University is a long standing Fulbright partner and actively supports the Fulbright Commission in a number of initiatives including The Wales Fulbright Summer Institute. TheUniversity is one of only two in Wales to offer Fulbright Scholarships providing some of the best US students the chance to study in the UK.

Within the global Fulbright Programme, 28 alumni have served as head of state or government, 11 Fulbright alumni have been elected to US Congress, 1 Fulbright alumnus has served as Secretary-General of the UN, 43 Fulbright alumni from 11 countries have received the Nobel Prize and 78 alumni have received Pulitzer Prizes.