The award is intended to foster research and teaching in Brazilian Literature. Candidates for the Award shall submit a detailed proposal for lecturing and/or research related to a field of study to be carried out during the fall 2026 semester or the spring 2027 semester. The ideal candidates are working in areas of Brazilian Literature, visiting Brown University, and engaging in research and teaching collaborations with faculty at the University. The selected scholar will be hosted by faculty in the area of Brazilian Literature, and will be engaged in collaborative research, engage in pedagogy, give talks/seminars, and build long-term inter-institutional connections.
Research proposals should include a detailed description of the research project, highlighting collaborative opportunities that it will bring to Brown University and how the research offers potential interdisciplinary engagements with other institutional partners (libraries, other departments, centers). Teaching proposals should include a detailed syllabus for a three-hour weekly advanced undergraduate seminar, which will be open to graduate students, to be taught in the Department of Portuguese and Brazilian Studies at Brown University.
ELIGIBILITY
Candidates must work under a full-time and active contract in a Brazilian higher education institution. English language proficiency compatible with the proposed activities is a requirement. Candidates must hold a Brazilian passport and must have earned a doctoral degree before December 31st, 2017. Candidates that have benefited of J-1 visa in the past must have returned to Brazil before August 1st, 2024, to be eligible for the Fulbright Program. Former Fulbright Chair awardees, dual Brazilian/U.S. citizens, candidates hired temporarily or as substitute professors, are not eligible. Candidates must demonstrate outstanding academic qualifications and a record of professional experience along with intellectual production in the proposed area during the last ten years. The candidate must stay in Brazil during the following phases: selection, affiliation, and departure to the U.S.; this grant cannot be combined with any other similar grant with the same purpose.
FUNDING
The Chair will award funding for one visiting scholar based on a four-month stay, as follows:
- US$ 30,000 for all expenses related to the stay in the U. S. (stipend, housing, settling-in allowance, and international round-trip air ticket). The award will be paid by both institutions, Fulbright (US$ 15,000) and Brown University (US$ 15,000).
- Limited health coverage through Fulbright's ASPE - Accident and Sickness Program for Exchanges;
- Visa J-1; and
- Access to the facilities and services of the host institution, such as office space, laboratories, libraries, and any other amenities regularly provided to the academic community to ensure the success of the teaching and research activities undertaken by the scholar.
SUBMISSION GUIDELINES
The candidate must carefully read the Application Instructions and submit the online application form, available at https://apply.iie.org/fvsp2026, indicating “Chair at Brown University” in the Award Information, cycle 2026-2027, and including the following mandatory documents, all in English:
- Brazilian passport ID pages, if available, or official ID document with photo (ex. CIN, RG or CNH);
- CV with no more than three pages;
- Ph.D. certificate or diploma (original document; translation not required);
- Research project statement with bibliography;
- Course syllabus, with no more than ten pages;
- Plan of Activities;
- Paystub (contra cheque);
- Previous DS-2019 forms and visas on the passport, if the candidate has already received a J-1 visa;
- Letter of support from institution of affiliation: employer’s declaration must indicate the date of admission and the present status of the contract (active and full-time); and
- Two letters of reference.
SELECTION PROCESS
The Fulbright Commission will screen and analyze, by peer review, all valid applications. A multi-disciplinary faculty review panel at the Host University will assess valid candidates’ academic and professional qualifications and the relevance of their proposed courses and research projects. An interview may be required. The Fulbright Commission and the University will nominate the selected candidate for final approval by the J. William Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board. Preference will be given to candidates with little or no significant previous academic experience in the U.S.
Note: Plagiarism will result in disqualification from participating in the program.
TIMELINE
- August 3, 2025: deadline for online application submissions;
- December, 2025: results of the selection process;
- Fall 2026 or Spring 2027: activities at the host institution.
INFORMATION
Grantees will be required to complete their Fulbright grant in the academic program specified in the grant document. Grant dates and funding amounts stated in the grant document are subject to change. Prospective Fulbright participants should be aware that public health conditions, availability of consular services and travel, as well as U.S. institutional operating status and policies may affect their ability to travel to the U.S. and participate in academic programs. The grant is activated only if the grantee can obtain a passport, J-1 visa and enter the United States to start the academic program outlined in the grant document.