Cardiff University student awarded US Fulbright Scholarship

A Cardiff University politics student has received a prestigious award from one of the world’s most highly regarded and impactful scholarship programmes, the Fulbright Award.

Jac Larner, a PhD student at the Wales Governance Centre, has received an All-Disciplines Fulbright Award to enable him to undertake study and research at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.

Jac, as part of his scholarship, will be based at the Center for Political Studies at the University of Michigan, the home of the American National Election Study. The mission of the Study is to inform explanations of election outcomes. The ANES serves this mission by providing researchers with a view of the political world through the eyes of ordinary citizens. The study has been in place at Michigan since 1948.

Jac Larner and the other 44 British grantees of the 2017-18 Fulbright cohort will celebrate their success at a reception hosted by the Foreign & Commonwealth Office on Thursday 6 July 2017.

Commenting on receiving his award, Jac Larner said,

"I am delighted to receive a Fulbright Award which will enable me to continue my studies at the world-renowned University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, the home of political science. It is an incredible honour to have been selected for the programme, which will provide me with an unique opportunity to work on with world-leading experts in my field of study. I hope to use the skills I acquire during this time to help develop a better understanding of politics, elections and public opinion here in Wales and beyond."

The Acting Director of the Wales Governance Centre at Cardiff University, Professor Roger Scully, added,

"I am delighted by Jac’s success in gaining this prestigious award. This scholarship will help Jac develop his academic skills further in a thriving academic environment in the US. The award that he has received, in what is an incredibly competitive field, is testament to Jac’s abilities and I wish him the best of luck as he ventures across the Atlantic."

Penny Egan CBE, Executive Director, US-UK Fulbright Commission said,

"The impact of the Fulbright programme can change the world. Our Fulbrighters will return to the UK having been exposed to different cultures, value systems and schools of thought. They will have the capacity to be more empathetic global citizens and be better prepared for collaboration across borders, between the US and the UK, and beyond."

Amy Moore, Director of the Fulbright Awards Programme, added,

"No greater example of the continued importance of international education can be found than in the determination and drive of our 2017-18 grantees. These students, academics and professionals have identified the relevance of intercultural cooperation to their careers. As Fulbright alumni and future leaders, they will be able to foster personal and professional connections between nations."

The Fulbright Commission provides the only bi-lateral, transatlantic scholarship programme, offering Awards for study or research in any field, at any accredited US or UK university.

The Commission selects scholars through a rigorous application and interview process, looking for academic excellence alongside a focused application, a range of extracurricular and community activities, demonstrated ambassadorial skills, a desire to further the Fulbright Programme and a plan to give back to the UK upon returning.

Typical grants include a maintenance allowance and/or a contribution towards tuition fees. Fulbright scholars receive administrative support and a cultural education programme including: visa processing, a comprehensive pre-departure orientation, enrichment opportunities in the USA, a re-entry session and access to a global alumni network.