The launch of the Big Impact Survey, at the end of last year has been a chance for us to gain further insights into who Fulbrighters are and what they do, locally, nationally and globally.

Over 100 of you responded and we have been excited to learn about the great work that you have been doing over the course of your career. Ultimately, we learned how you sustain the spirit of the Fulbright programme while impacting the world at large.   

Now, more than ever before, as observers and serious thinkers grapple with what soft power really means, against the backdrop of a dynamic landscape, the Commission is keen to identify the advisors, influencers and supporters within our brilliant Fulbright community. Conversely, us knowing you better, reflects the endearing Fulbright ideal of mutual understanding, enabling the Commission to meaningfully add value to your personal and professional lives.     

As a Fulbrighter, you are part of a transatlantic community that has a mission to advance research, promote civic engagement and develop compassionate leaders that impact the peoples of the US, the UK and across the globe. And moreover, we believe that you share our vision to create a world where there are no obstacles to learning, understanding and collaboration. Some of you already stay in touch with the Commission, affording us with invaluable qualitative insights about your work and leadership. The Survey has been an opportunity to actively gather a combination of quantitative insights alongside qualitative information to better understand the collective impact of our Fulbright community at work. And this is an early snapshot of the results: 

• 79% have been involved in transatlantic collaborations or projects either as a volunteer or employee.
• 74% say that the skills, knowledge and behaviours advanced during the Fulbright experience help you to better navigate transatlantic partnerships 
• 56% work in higher education and research including private universities and non-teaching research institutions. 
• 6% work in clinical health settings including public and private health ecosystems. 
• 5% work in schools, further education colleges and private sector suppliers. 
• 7% work in government and other public sector institutions. 
• 8% work for NGOs, charities and civil society organisations. 
• 13% work in the private sector including professional service firms (e.g. law, management, consultancy, accountancy). 
• 4% are sole traders or free-lancers across a range of sectors including the visual and performing arts and design industries. 
• 3% are retired or not in formal work. 
• 67% regularly volunteer for charities, NGOs or civil society organisations.
• 25% volunteer for charities, NGOs or civil society organisations in an official capacity. 

We would like to say a huge thank you for the wealth of information that you shared on your professional impact, and we look forward to publishing a much fuller version of the report in the Spring 2026 e-newsletter after the survey officially closes at the end of February 2026. 

Survey prize draw 

Many congratulations to three Fulbrighter survey respondents for winning UK £150 each (or the US $ equivalent) in our prize draw to spend at their favourite bookstore. And although entries for this survey prize draw are now closed, Fulbrighters are still actively encouraged to complete the survey before the 27th of February 2026 at 5pm.