Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research (FFAR) Fellows Programme 2023-2026 (Funded)

For the Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research (FFAR) Fellows Programme 2023–2026, applications are now being accepted. This year, the Rockey FFAR Fellows Fund is offering five new professional development scholarship seats.

The US food and agricultural systems frequently face new difficulties brought on by factors including climate change, population growth, and emerging pests and diseases. Early-career scientists are required by employers to perform research that aids in the adaptation of farms and food systems to these extraordinary changes.

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:

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:

• 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:

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 cohortbased 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)

Click here to apply