US-AT Bridge Award
Overview
AN AWARD TO RECOGNIZE THOSE WHO BUILT BRIDGES FOR THE TRANSATLANTIC RELATIONS
For decades, Austria and the United States have benefited from a vibrant network of academic, scientific, economic, and cultural exchanges that have strengthened mutual understanding and fostered long-term partnerships. Institutions such as the Austrian Marshall Plan Foundation and Fulbright Austria have played a pivotal role in building and sustaining these connections by supporting students, teachers, researchers, educators, artists, innovators, entrepreneurs, and future leaders on both sides of the Atlantic.
Despite the remarkable achievements emerging from these transatlantic exchanges, there is currently no dedicated platform that systematically recognizes and celebrates individuals and organizations whose work actively strengthens the relationship between Austria and the United States across sectors. While numerous awards exist in the fields of science, business, entrepreneurship, or public service, few specifically acknowledge the unique role of those who create meaningful bridges between the two countries.
AT → USA
Bridge Award
This category recognizes an Austrian citizen or Austria-based individual whose work has made a significant contribution to strengthening Austrian-American relations.
The award honors individuals who successfully represent Austrian excellence abroad and actively create opportunities for collaboration, innovation, and exchange with the United States.
USA → AT
Bridge Award
This category recognizes a US citizen or US-based individual who has made an exceptional contribution to Austria or to Austrian-American cooperation.
The award highlights individuals whose engagement has strengthened bilateral relations and created lasting value for both countries.
Fields of Impact
Transatlantic engagement can take many different forms.
Successful applicants will demonstrate their contribution in one or more of the following dimensions:
Education Bridge
Individuals who have expanded educational opportunities and strengthened academic exchange between Austria and the United States.
Examples include:
Student and alum leaders
Academic exchange advocates
Educators developing transatlantic programs
Individuals promoting workforce and vocational exchange
Research Bridge
Individuals who have advanced scientific cooperation and research partnerships across the Atlantic.
Examples include:
Researchers leading joint projects
Scientists building international research networks
Innovators translating research into practical application
Experts facilitating institutional collaboration
Innovation Bridge
Individuals whose entrepreneurial or technological achievements have created new transatlantic opportunities.
Examples include:
Founders and entrepreneurs
Innovators commercializing research
Technology leaders connecting Austrian and U.S. ecosystems
Individuals advancing innovation partnerships
Economic Bridge
Individuals who have strengthened economic cooperation, investment, talent mobility, or business partnerships.
Examples include:
Business leaders
Investors
Industry experts
Professionals facilitating bilateral cooperation
Social and Cultural Bridge
Individuals who have promoted mutual understanding, cultural exchange, civic engagement, and people-to-people diplomacy.
Examples include:
Community leaders
Cultural ambassadors
Alumni volunteers
Advocates for transatlantic dialogue
Requirements and Eligibility
All alums of Fulbright Austria and the Austrian Marshall Plan Foundation are eligible for nomination.
The award is intended for individuals who have experienced transatlantic exchange firsthand and who have subsequently used that experience to contribute actively and meaningfully to US-Austrian relations in their fields, communities, or institutions.
Both self-nomination and third-party nominations are eligible.
The following groups are eligible to apply or be nominated (with confirmation of the nominee):
General Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must demonstrate:
A clear and meaningful connection between Austria and the United States.
A significant contribution to transatlantic cooperation, exchange, or partnership.
Evidence of measurable outcomes, impact, or sustainable results.
A commitment to the values of international collaboration, innovation, leadership, and mutual understanding.
Application Documents
Applicants will be required to provide personal and professional information, together with a concise presentation of their achievements and impact:
Personal information
Full name
Citizenship
Current address
Email address
Telephone number
Current affiliation or employer
Professional title and position
Curriculum vitae
Impact statement
The impact statement constitutes the core element of the application and should provide a concise yet comprehensive overview of the initiative, achievement, or contribution for which the applicant is applying.
Length: Maximum 1,000 words
The statement should clearly address:
The nature of the project, initiative, or achievement
The challenge or opportunity that was addressed
The Austrian-US dimension and how the initiative strengthened ties between Austria and the United States
The applicant's role and contribution
Key outcomes and measurable impact
The individuals, communities, or organizations that benefited
The sustainability and scalability of the impact
Letter of support (Optional)
To strengthen the credibility of the application process, each submission should include a lletter of support from individuals familiar with the applicant's work. This requirement does not apply to applications submitted through a third-party nomination.
Letters should specifically address:
The significance of the applicant's achievements
Their contribution to Austrian-American relations
Their leadership and impact
The broader relevance of their work
How to nominate
Applications are submitted through an online application portal below and are assessed by a jury against three core criteria that reflect the strategic objectives of the Award:
Innovation
Transatlantic Relevance
Impact and results
Both self-nomination and third-party nominations are eligible.