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Fifty Fellows Visited the White House, U.S. Dept. of State, and Embassy of Australia
The 2024 Quad Fellowship Summit, which took place from October 6 to 9 in Washington, D.C., convened a diverse group of emerging leaders in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) from the Quad nations—Australia, India, Japan, and the United States—and welcomed ten additional Fellows from Southeast Asia. This inclusion marked a significant expansion in the fellowship’s reach and diversity. Over four days, these 50 participants engaged in a series of activities designed to encourage cross-border collaboration and innovation. The summit underscored the pivotal role STEM can play in tackling global challenges and showcased the unique advantages provided by the Quad Fellowship program.
Established in 2021 through a partnership among the Quad countries, the fellowship represents a pioneering initiative focused on supporting STEM students at an international level. It offers not only financial support but also numerous opportunities for cultural exchange and professional networking, aiming to empower Fellows to leverage science and technology for societal advancement. This year’s summit benefitted from collaborative efforts among the Quad nations, backed by industry-leading sponsors known for their contributions to innovation and technology.
Key Activities and Highlights
The summit kicked off with team-building sessions facilitated by Senior Fellow Ambassadors from the previous cohort, which served to strengthen the bonds among attendees. Noah Okada, an ambassador from Japan, remarked on the significance of teamwork in creating impactful partnerships across different disciplines.
In addition to these exercises, the Fellows held enriching dialogues with established leaders in STEM and policy. Allan Goodman shared perspectives on the objectives of the fellowship, while prominent figures such as Ambassador Kazuyoshi Umemoto from Japan and Professor Lisa Harvey-Smith from Australia engaged the participants in discussions highlighting the crucial relationship between science, technology, and public policy.
Impactful Site Visits
Site visits to key governmental institutions complemented the summit’s activities. At the U.S. Department of State, Fellows conversed with diplomats about the integration of STEM into global policy, emphasizing the role their work plays in international diplomacy. A visit to the White House showcased how leadership can intersect with innovation. The experience culminated in a panel at the Embassy of Australia, where discussions on collaborative efforts among STEM professionals, policymakers, and the private sector illustrated the collective drive toward facilitating sustainable global progress.
Fellow Experiences and Testimonials
Attendees reflected on their personal journeys and the networks they built throughout the summit. Chamonix Toledo, a Fellow from the United States, described her experience as transformative, noting the crucial role that interdisciplinary approaches play in developing international policies. By relating her research on the environmental aspirations of Indigenous Pacific Islanders to broader Quad initiatives, she exemplified how individual contributions can further collective objectives.
The emphasis on collaboration also extended to the communication of scientific findings to policymakers and the public. Sandra Manulat from the Philippines highlighted the importance of crafting narratives that align with the interests of decision-makers. She emphasized that effective policy advocacy requires not just presenting data but also connecting emotionally with stakeholders to foster informed policymaking.
Maya Foster, a Senior Fellow Ambassador from the United States, encouraged new Fellows to embrace interdisciplinary ideas and to be aware of underrepresented voices in discussions. She emphasized that every significant change begins with an idea, which requires commitment and a supportive network to bring to fruition. This message resonated with many attendees, empowering them to take initiative in their respective fields.
As the summit concluded, the shared enthusiasm and dedication to collaborative solutions were palpable among participants. The discussions and experiences from the summit laid a solid foundation for future endeavors aimed at surmounting urgent global issues.
The 2024 Quad Fellowship Summit served as a significant nexus for inspiration, innovation, and international cooperation. By uniting passionate leaders in STEM, the event demonstrated the immense power of collaboration in addressing critical challenges facing the world today. For prospective applicants, the Quad Fellowship presents a unique opportunity to grow both academically and professionally while forming meaningful connections on a global scale.
The Quad Fellowship is managed by the Institute of International Education (IIE), a renowned non-profit organization overseeing several prestigious global scholarship and fellowship programs. For more information about how to participate in this life-changing experience, visit our website and connect with us on social media: Facebook, X, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Join us in fostering the next generation of STEM leaders committed to innovation and impactful change worldwide.
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