Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs Judith McHale welcomed the first group of International Fulbright Science and Technology Fellows—“the most prestigious grant offered through the Fulbright Program,” as she said—this past Tuesday in a reception at the Department of State:

Today, I congratulate you on your achievements as the inaugural cohort of the Fulbright Science and Technology Program. You came from every part of the world, almost three years ago, and are doing impressive programs at many of our nation's top research institutions. Your passion, intelligence, and commitment are helping to develop solutions to some of the world's most pressing global challenges, such as food security, public health, climate change, and renewable energy.

…As Fulbright Science and Technology Fellows, you are not only solving problems in research labs alongside your U.S. and international colleagues, but you are also directly experiencing life in our country and enhancing the U.S. communities in which you live. I hope that at the end of your studies, you will return to your countries with memories, friendships, and professional networks that will be of enduring value in the years to come.

McHale also noted that the U.S. and Russia are working together to engage in a “virtual science fair” as another way to create exchange through scientific collaboration:

Just before I came up here, I had a meeting with one of my colleagues, and we are engaged in bilateral efforts as part of the bilateral commission between the United States and Russia under the auspices of our two presidents. We are looking at a number of ways to bring the people of the United States and Russia together. And one of the initiatives that we are looking at is a virtual science fair or challenge that will use the Internet to bring teams of high school students in Russia together with their peers in the United States, focused on science projects and initiatives. And I can’t think of a better way of bringing countries together, just as all of you are gathered here today, by the means of scientific collaboration.