The Fulbright Programme is one of the most prestigious scholarship programmes in the world. It offers not only financial support, but above all access to a high-quality academic environment, an international network of contacts, and new research opportunities.
Appointed in October 2025 by the Fulbright Commission for a two-year term as a Fulbright Programme Ambassador in the region, Katarzyna Kalinowska-Wichrowska, PhD, Eng., Vice-Dean for Development and Cooperation at the Faculty of Civil Engineering and Environmental Sciences of Bialystok University of Technology, provides knowledge, experience and practical guidance regarding the application process.
The role of a Fulbright Programme Ambassador primarily involves raising awareness of the opportunities offered by this prestigious programme, as well as supporting potential candidates in the application process. This includes organising information meetings, delivering presentations and individual consultations, as well as actively promoting knowledge about the programme within the academic community. Ambassadors thus act as a bridge between the international programme and the local university community.
Katarzyna Kalinowska-Wichrowska was a recipient of the Fulbright STEM Impact Award 2022–23 in 2022. She received a scholarship that enabled her to complete a placement at Auburn University in Alabama. This experience showed her the tangible benefits of the programme and influenced her decision to actively participate in promoting Fulbright.
– The decision to become involved stemmed from a belief in the immense value of international scientific cooperation and a desire to share my experience with others – says Katarzyna Kalinowska-Wichrowska, PhD, Eng., from the Faculty of Civil Engineering and Environmental Sciences of Bialystok University of Technology, Fulbright Programme Ambassador. – Direct contact with the international academic environment, the opportunity to conduct research at a foreign institution, and the building of lasting academic relationships have reinforced my conviction that it is worth promoting this programme.
Participation in the programme enables the development of scientific, language and intercultural competences. It offers the opportunity to learn about research practices used in foreign institutions, as well as to build experience in an international academic environment. For researchers, it means access to modern research infrastructure and international cooperation; for students – an opportunity to study and develop abroad; and for the University – strengthening research potential and internationalisation.
– My main goal is to encourage people to apply. I plan to organise information meetings, both at our University and at other academic centres in the region – emphasises the Programme Ambassador. – It is worth trying and believing in yourself. Even the application process itself is a valuable experience. The Fulbright Programme is an opportunity for academic and personal development – an experience that stays with you for life.
The Polish-American Fulbright Commission has announced a call for applications for scholarship programmes enabling the completion of studies, research projects and teaching projects in the United States in the 2027–2028 academic year. The offer is addressed to students, graduates, doctoral students, and academic and teaching staff.
More information on deadlines and recruitment rules can be found at fulbright.edu.pl/home/ and from the regional Fulbright Programme Ambassador, who provides support in preparing applications.
Contact: Katarzyna Kalinowska-Wichrowska, PhD, Eng., email: k.kalinowska@pb.edu.pl
Prepared by Magdalena Grzęda-Zajkowska