Deadline: February 18, 2020
Applications are open for the Borlaug International Agricultural Science and Technology Fellowship Program 2020. The Fellowship Program promotes food security and economic growth by providing training and collaborative research opportunities to fellows from developing and middle-income countries.
Borlaug fellows are generally scientists, researchers, or policymakers who are in the early or middle stages of their careers. Each fellow works one-on-one with a mentor at a U.S. university, research center or government agency, usually for 8-12 weeks. The U.S. mentor will later visit the fellow’s home institution to continue collaboration. Fellows may also attend professional conferences and events within their field, such as the annual World Food Prize Symposium.
About the Program
The Borlaug Fellowship Program honors Norman E. Borlaug, the American agronomist, humanitarian and Nobel laureate known as the “father of the Green Revolution.” Since the program’s inception in 2004, approximately 800 fellows from 64 countries have participated in research and training focused on a wide array of agriculture-related topics, including agronomy, veterinary science, nutrition, food safety, sanitary and phytosanitary issues, natural resource management, agricultural biotechnology, agricultural economics, and agricultural policy.
By improving participants’ understanding of agricultural science, the program helps foster science-based trade policies that improve international market access for U.S. agricultural products.
Eligibility
- Be citizens of a 2020 eligible country
- Be proficient in English
- Possess a Master’s degree or higher
- Be in the early or middle stage of their career, between 2 and 10 years of practical experience, after obtaining their highest-awarded degree
- Be employed by a university, government agency, or research entity in their home country
- Demonstrate their intention to continue working in their home country after completing the fellowship
Selection Criteria
- USDA selects candidates based on their academic and professional research interests and achievements, leadership potential, level of scientific competence, aptitude for scientific research, likelihood of bringing back new ideas to their home institution, and flexibility and aptitude for success in a cross-cultural environment.
- USDA also considers the relevance of the applicant’s research area to the research topics highlighted in the application announcement and to global food security and trade.
Application
The following information will be required:
- Completed application form
- Program proposal and action plan that addresses the questions posed in the application
- Letter of Reference from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Foreign Agricultural Service Post in their home country
- Approval from applicant’s home institution (form provided) – signed by current supervisor
- Two letters of professional recommendation
- Copy of transcript or diploma for all college/university degree(s) received
- Copy of passport identification page
For more information, visit Borlaug Fellowship Program.
