The Fulbright Academy of Science & Technology (FAST) will be in Washington, DC next week as one of several hundered exhibitors at the 60th Annual NAFSA-Association of International Educators Conference and Expo.

More than 8,000 delegates from over 100 countries are expected. FAST has been in contact with many of the pre-registered delegates, and we are looking forward to interacting with hundreds of potential institutional members and partners. If you or staff from your institution will be attending the conference, please look for us - FAST is in booth #1569 (toward the back of the Expo Hall - near the cafe and computer bank)

As you know, FAST is an international organization committed to improving the state of the world by engaging Fulbright scholars and other leaders in partnerships that advance science and society. This conference will be a great opportunity for FAST to strengthen the network.

"Futuropolis 2058: Creating Sustainable Urban Environments through Innovation” will be held in Singapore on October 21-22, 2008 (Tuesday-Wednesday). Hosted by FAST and Singapore’s Agency for Science, Technology & Research (A*STAR), this conference will bring together many of respected technical experts and visionaries to shape the thinking and practice of urban leaders. The conference will be a catalyst to influence how the urban environments of the future are studied, planned and managed through areas such as: ** urban infrastructure ** city management ** renewable energy ** social networking technologies ** future transportation systems **

Lead Speakers include the best selling science author Dr. Michio Kaku (Physics of the Impossible) and the Deputy Prime Minister of Singapore. Other speakers are from Yale Univeristy, Univ. of Hawaii, Univ. of Auckland, Univ. of Illinois, Murdoch University, CSIRO, Cisco, DHL, Google, Microsoft, Nokia, Shell, and Sony – a mixture of Fulbright scholars and other leaders discussing issues relating to the urban growth, social cohesion and the future of cities. Dozens of Fulbright alumni from universities and corporations around the world will be presenting their work and research in a poster session.

Visit the FAST website to submit an abstract for the poster session on transportation infrastructure, innovations in clean drinking water, sanitation & wastewater management, energy use in urban areas, alternative energy, urban parks, urban disaster planning, technologies for city management, meetings in virtual reality, internet-based social networks, urban healthcare, and architecture. Special early-bird registrations are available through FAST for $250. Regular registration will be $500 for academics. Call for details: 1-207-799-3098.

The 11th International Coral Reef Symposium (ICRS) is in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida in July. FAST is hosting a reception on July 9th and is a sponsor of the ICRS, which is the week after the 4th of July. Expected attendees at the reception include Dr. Bob George (former FAST Board member & Research Professor at the University of Miami); Dr. Judy Kleypas (National Center for Atmospheric Research in Colorado) and Mike Beck (Senior Scientist with the Marine Initiative of The Nature Conservancy). This program is open to all Fulbrighters.

The 116th Annual American Psychological Association Convention is on August 14-17, 2008 in Boston, Massachusetts. The APA Office of International Affairs is expecting over 100 Fulbright scholars from the US and abroad to participate in two-days of special events on August 14 & 15. Activities will include an evening reception, a poster session and a discussion/dialogue which will address topics such as the value of Fulbright scholarships to the advancement of Psychology. You do not need a personal invitation to attend meetings of the American Psychological Association. The Association's meetings are open scholarly events and all persons who are interested and pay the necessary registration fee may attend. For information on the meeting please visit the APA website or call FAST at 207-799-3098.

The London School of Economics is hosting a FAST program in early June on environmental security and climate change, featuring several Fulbright scholars. This invitation-only event will lead to further FAST action in the area of environmental management. Interested members should contact FAST for details.

The British Association for the Advancement of Science has organized "Festivals of Science" since 1831 - over 175 years. FAST was invited to present a one-day symposium during the week-long festival. The FAST program on "Change" will be on Monday, September 9 in Liverpool - home of the Beetles, the Titanic and the European Capital of Culture 2008. This program is open to the public. (www.the-ba.net)

The 2009 FAST Annual Conference will be held in Skopje, Macedonia in March 2009. Focusing on innovation in small countries, we are expecting many senior government officials, business leaders and researchers from South-eastern Europe and around the world. FAST is currently seeking members to serve on the conference committee and advisory committee for this conference.

FAST is a grass-roots organization - both of these events were initiated by our members. If you would like to host, organize or participate in a FAST meeting, reception or program, please contact us at 207-799-3098. The generosity of individual contributors and income received from our institutional memberships makes these programs possible.

FAST is a non-profit 501-c-3 membership-based organization that serves scientists, executives, and scholars worldwide. Our members and sponsors include individuals and institutions such as universities, corporations, government agencies and foundations. FAST collaborates with many Fulbright-related entities, but it is not affiliated with the US Fulbright Association or the Fulbright Exchange Program. Regular membership is $60 for individuals and $500 for most institutions. Discounts are available; visit our website for details or to watch a 10-minute video about the Academy: "FAST is a Blast!"