Fifty Fellows Visited the White House, U.S. Dept. of State, and Embassy of Australia
The 2024 Quad Fellowship Summit, held October 6 to 9, 2024 in Washington, D.C., brought together the brightest minds in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) from Australia, India, Japan, and the United States. For the first time, the Summit also welcomed 10 Fellows from Southeast Asia, enriching the diversity and scope of the program. Over four days, 50 emerging leaders in STEM engaged in transformative experiences designed to foster international collaboration and innovation. This gathering not only highlighted the critical role of STEM in addressing global challenges but also showcased the unique opportunities the Quad Fellowship offers to its Fellows.
Created in 2021 by the Quad governments: Australia, India, Japan, and the United States, the Quad Fellowship is the first multinational scholarship and educational fellowship program specifically supporting students in STEM. It offers a unique combination of financial benefits, cross-cultural exchange, networking, and programming and focuses on elevating Fellows’ ability to use science and technology for social good. This year’s summit was made possible by the cooperation of the Quad countries and the support of industry-leading corporate and civil society sponsors with track records of driving innovation and technological advancement.
Key Activities and Highlights
The Summit commenced with team-building exercises led by Senior Fellow Ambassadors from the inaugural cohort, establishing a foundation for meaningful connections among participants. Noah Okada, a Senior Fellow Ambassador representing Japan, shared, “Leading team-building activities allowed me to witness firsthand how collaboration and trust form the foundation of meaningful partnerships across disciplines.”
In-depth discussions with prominent leaders in STEM and policy further enriched the experience. Allan Goodman provided valuable insights about the mission of the program, while members of the International Advisory Board, including Ambassador Kazuyoshi Umemoto of Japan and Professor Lisa Harvey-Smith of Australia, engaged Fellows in conversations about the intersection of science, technology, and policy.
Impactful Site Visits
The Summit also featured site visits to key institutions. At the U.S. Department of State, Fellows engaged with diplomats on the role of STEM in global policy, reinforcing the significance of their work in shaping international relations. A visit to the White House allowed Fellows to witness firsthand the intersection of leadership and innovation. The closing panel at the Embassy of Australia provided valuable insights on the potential for collaboration between among STEM leaders, policymakers, and the private sector. Each visit underscored and built upon the importance of collaboration, where each partnership becomes a critical step in the broader movement towards toward global progress.
Fellow Experiences and Testimonials
The experiences shared by the Fellows highlighted their growth and the invaluable connections formed during the Summit. Chamonix Toledo, a Fellow from the United States, described her participation as transformative. “A key takeaway was the critical importance of interdisciplinary approaches in shaping international policy,” she stated. Her research on the environmental goals of Indigenous Pacific Islanders aligns with and enriches the collective Quad research and policy agendas, illustrating how individual expertise contributes to a greater cause.
The Summit’s focus on collaboration extended beyond personal connections; it emphasized the importance of effectively communicating scientific research to policymakers and the public. Sandra Manulat, a Fellow from the Philippines, remarked on the necessity of crafting tailored narratives that resonate with decision-makers. “Engaging in policy advocacy means not only presenting data but also crafting a compelling narrative that resonates with both decision-makers and the broader public, ultimately helping to drive informed, impactful policy changes,” she explained.
Maya Foster, a Senior Fellow Ambassador from the United States, shared insights with the new cohort on embracing interdisciplinary thinking. She encouraged them to consider who might be missing from the conversation and to believe in their ideas. “Every great thing starts with an idea. But it also takes faith, dedication, and a network to make it happen,” she said. This encouragement resonated deeply with Fellows, fostering a sense of empowerment and possibility.
As the Summit concluded, the collective enthusiasm and commitment to global collaboration were clear. The experiences shared during the Summit laid the groundwork for future collaborations that will address pressing global challenges.
The 2024 Quad Fellowship Summit was more than just an event; it was a catalyst for change, innovation, and international cooperation. By bringing together a diverse group of passionate STEM leaders, the Summit underscored the power of collaboration in addressing the world’s most pressing challenges. For Fellows and potential applicants, the Quad Fellowship offers an unparalleled opportunity to grow academically and professionally while making meaningful connections across the globe.
The Quad Fellowship is administered by the Institute of International Education (IIE), a global not-for-profit organization that manages many of the world’s most prestigious scholarship and fellowship programs. To learn more about how you can be part of this transformative experience, visit our website and follow us on our social media platforms: Facebook, X, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Join us as we continue to inspire the next generation of STEM leaders dedicated to driving innovation and making a lasting impact worldwide.