Applications are open for the Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research (FFAR) Fellows Program 2023-2026. This year, there are five new scholarship slots for the professional development category, funded by the Rockey FFAR Fellows Fund.

US food and agricultural systems are regularly experiencing new challenges, including climate change, a growing population and evolving pests and pathogens. Employers need early-career scientists trained to conduct research that helps farms and food systems adapt to these unprecedented changes.

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In partnership with North Carolina State University, FFAR launched the FFAR Fellows Programme to provide career guidance to the next generation of food and agriculture scientists. Unique to this programme, they prepare a career ready STEM workforce by breaking down the disciplinary silos and focusing on professional development and soft-skills.

Fellows receive grants to pursue research that aligns with the Challenge Areas. Additionally, students are paired with industry mentors who provide career guidance. This mentorship equips students with the skills needed to facilitate their transition to the workforce and prepare future food and agriculture leaders.

Funding for Agriculture Research Fellows Program

• Match sponsorship for the three-year programme is US$97,500 for Stipend + Professional Development Fellows and US$15,000 for Professional Development Fellows.

Eligibility for Agriculture Research Fellows Program

• Students from any university in the U.S. or Canada are eligible to apply for the Fellowship.
• Completion of a MS degree or one year of a PhD programme by June 2023.
• Acceptance in a PhD programme by May 1, 2023.
• Three years remaining in the degree programme (Fall 2023 to Spring 2026).
• Have a confirmed PhD faculty advisor.
• Confirmation of a financial sponsor (sponsors can include companies, foundations, NGOs, grower organizations; university departments can also sponsor students using non-federal funds). Sponsors provide funding for 50% of the costs of the fellowship, with the Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research providing 50%. Total sponsorship costs for the three-year programme are $97,500 for Stipend Fellows and $15,000 for Non-Stipend Fellows. All fellows receive equal training as part of their cohort.
• TOEFL Score indicating a minimum of 23/30 for listening, speaking, writing (exclusions for those with an undergraduate or master’s degree from programmes with English as a language of instruction; or students from any country where English is an official language).
• Residency or study visa.
• Availability to attend the orientation week at NC State in Raleigh August 6 – 12, 2023.
• Eagerness to participate in the FFAR Fellows and ability to spend the equivalent of a 1-hour course each semester on fellows training and activities.

Application of Agriculture Research Fellows Program

The following are components of the application:

• Statement of Interest in the FFAR Fellows Programme (1500 words)
  • Applicants should provide the following in their Statement of Interest, written in non-technical prose:
    • The connection between the applicant’s research area and one or more of the Foundation for Food and Agriculture Challenge Areas.
    • The connection between their research area and their own personal motivations to help solve these challenges.
    • A description of how participation in a cohort of like-minded individuals will contribute to their individual development as scientists and leaders.
    • An explanation of their interest in the two core features of the FFAR Fellows Programmme:
      • Development of professional skills including teamwork, communications, project management, etc.
      • Access to and mentorship by industry, government, and other non-academic professionals
    • A description of the applicant’s career goals.
• Student CV
• Faculty adviser CV
• Three or four reference letters.
  For students already in a PhD programme, three letters are required, one of which should be from the current advisor. For students with an MS but not currently in a PhD programme four letters are required, one of which is from the MS advisor and one from the future PhD advisor. Letters should speak to the candidate’s capacity and desire to engage in a cohort-based professional development program that complements their research activities. As mentioned earlier, fellows spend the equivalent of a 1-hour course each semester on fellows training and activities and should be not only willing, but eager for this engagement. Applicants are highly encouraged to supply a letter of recommendation from their sponsor.
• Undergraduate and graduate transcripts. Unofficial transcripts are allowed. Official transcripts may be requested if the applicant is selected.
• Letter of financial commitment from the financial sponsor(s) (must be a non-federal source of funds)

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Lastly, It is important to visit the official website link found below to access the application form.

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