Conduct Energy Research in Iceland with Fulbright Support
The Iceland School of Energy at Reykjavík University is interested in hearing from prospective Fulbright applicants who would like to develop an independent research project connected to energy, sustainability, or the energy transition.
The Fulbright Iceland Open Study/Research Award supports a nine-month period of study or research in Iceland, generally beginning between mid-August and 1 September. Applicants at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels may apply, subject to the eligibility requirements of the Fulbright U.S. Student Program.
For independent research projects, applicants must identify an appropriate Icelandic host who can evaluate the feasibility of the proposed work and provide academic or professional support during the grant period. A letter of affiliation or support is required as part of the Fulbright application.
Explore Iceland’s Energy Landscape
Iceland provides a distinctive environment for research into renewable energy, climate solutions, and sustainable development. Its combination of geothermal resources, renewable electricity, energy-intensive industries, developing carbon-management technologies, and close connections between academia and industry creates opportunities for interdisciplinary research.
Depending on the proposed project, academic fit, and supervisor availability, potential research areas at ISE and Reykjavík University may include:
- Geothermal energy and subsurface systems
- Renewable and integrated energy systems
- Electric power systems
- Industrial decarbonisation
- Carbon capture, utilisation, and storage
- Life-cycle assessment
- Sustainable fuels and transport
- Energy policy, economics, and markets
- Climate solutions and the circular economy
Other topics connected to the expertise of researchers at Reykjavík University may also be considered.
A Fulbright Journey at Reykjavík University
Bethany Bronkema’s journey provides one example of how a Fulbright research affiliation can create lasting academic connections.
In 2022, Bethany came to Reykjavík University with a Fulbright award to research the environmental aspects of Iceland’s aluminium production. Her work examined sources of emissions within the production process and the potential environmental effects of transitioning to inert-anode technology. The project also allowed her to develop skills in life-cycle assessment and build relationships with researchers working across engineering, sustainability, and Iceland’s industrial sector.
Following her Fulbright year, Bethany enrolled in the MSc in Sustainable Energy Engineering at the Iceland School of Energy, where she continued developing the research skills and collaborations established during her Fulbright experience. Her pathway illustrates how an independent research project can become part of a broader academic and professional journey.
Each Fulbright applicant’s project and pathway will be different. A research affiliation with ISE does not constitute admission to an ISE degree programme, and any future university application would be considered separately through Reykjavík University’s normal admissions process.
Arranging an Affiliation with ISE
Candidates are responsible for arranging their own host affiliation and developing their Fulbright research proposal.
Prospective applicants interested in an affiliation with the Iceland School of Energy should contact ISE well before the Fulbright deadline and provide:
- A current CV
- A short description of the proposed research project
- The main research question or objective
- Relevant academic, technical, or research experience
- The proposed period in Iceland
- An explanation of how the project connects to ISE or Reykjavík University research
ISE will review expressions of interest and, where appropriate, explore whether the proposed project aligns with an available researcher at Reykjavík University.
An affiliation or letter of support cannot be guaranteed. It will depend on the quality and feasibility of the proposal, its alignment with RU expertise, the applicant’s preparation, and the availability of an appropriate academic host.
About the Fulbright Award
The Iceland Open Study/Research Award provides a stipend intended to support housing, meals, and everyday expenses during the grant period. It also includes international travel support, accident and sickness benefits, and participation in Fulbright Iceland’s grantee activities.
Applicants should carefully review the complete award conditions. Fulbright does not cover university tuition, application fees, or other university affiliation fees, and the Iceland grant cannot be extended for a second academic year.
The national application deadline for the 2027–2028 competition is:
Tuesday, 6 October 2026 at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time
Applicants currently enrolled at a U.S. university should also contact their institution’s Fulbright Program Adviser, as university-level application deadlines may be earlier.
Prospective applicants interested in exploring an independent research affiliation with the Iceland School of Energy may contact:
Iceland School of Energy
Reykjavík University
ise@ru.is
Date
Share