2023-2026 Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research Fellows Program

Applications are open for the 2023-2026 FFAR Fellows Cohort. 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.

In partnership with North Carolina State University, FFAR launched the FFAR Fellows Program to provide career guidance to the next generation of food and agriculture scientists. Unique to this program, we 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 our 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.

Eligibility

Students from any university in the U.S. or Canada are eligible to apply for the Fellowship.

The following eligibility requirements apply for the 2023-2026 Cohort:

• Completion of a MS degree or one year of a PhD program by June 2023
• Acceptance in a PHD program by May 1, 2023
• Three years remaining in the degree program (Fall 2023 to Spring 2026)
• 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 program 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 programs 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

How to Apply?

Please visit https://ffarfellows.org/apply/ for complete application details.