The North-West University’s (NWU’s) Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management (UESM) proudly announces the arrival of Prof Nishanta Rajakaruna, a Fulbright specialist and extraordinary professor within the unit.

The Fulbright Specialist Programme is a unique opportunity for academics and established professionals from the United States to engage in project-based exchanges of two to six weeks at host institutions across the globe. This programme annually selects approximately 400 US citizens, renowned for their expertise, to collaborate with institutions worldwide. The recipients are chosen based on their potential to facilitate enduring cooperation between the US and international entities.

During this visit, Prof Rajakaruna will carry out collaborative research with Prof Stefan Siebert, a geo-ecologist at the UESM.

Prof Rajakaruna's tenure at the NWU involves spearheading a project aimed at fostering knowledge exchange and forging partnerships that benefit participants, institutions and communities – both locally and abroad – and particularly in the field of environmental science. Through a diverse array of educational and training initiatives, he will leverage his expertise to enrich the academic landscape at the NWU and beyond.

Prof Rajakaruna's appointment as a Fulbright specialist underscores his academic and professional accomplishments and demonstrated leadership in the realm of environmental science.

More about the Fullbright Specialist Programme

The Fulbright Specialist Programme, a cornerstone of international educational exchange sponsored by the US government, aims to cultivate enduring connections between American and global communities.

This initiative, funded through congressional appropriations to the US Department of State, garners support from participating governments, host institutions, corporations and foundations worldwide. Operating in more than 160 countries, the programme has facilitated transformative experiences for more than 400 000 scholars, students, artists, and scientists since its inception in 1946.

Fulbright alumni, distinguished for their contributions across diverse disciplines, have made indelible marks on the global stage. Notably, 60 alumni have received Nobel Prizes, 88 have been honoured with Pulitzer Prizes, and 39 have served as heads of state or government. These accomplishments underscore the Fulbright Programme's pivotal role in addressing pressing global challenges while fostering enduring relationships, knowledge exchange and leadership development, all in service of advancing the long-term interests of the United States and the international community.

Prof Nishanta Rajakaruna