Young Qld Ag Scientists Take Note!

February 12, 2015

Our Queensland Committee has launched two new awards: one for young Australian ag scientists in Honours or Postgraduate studies (application form below), and the other for international scientists and extension staff.

The Crawford Fund and its State programs have been working to encourage young people in their study or careers in international agricultural research. Through scholarships to attend the Crawford Fund Annual Parliamentary Conference, networking opportunities at State events, assisting the development of the RAID network and provision of volunteer opportunities in developing countries, we’ve seen a wonderful network of enthusiastic passionate young people move to further study and careers at the international development arena.

“Wonderful examples have come to my attention this week of developments with just two of the young people that the Queensland Committee supported with Crawford Fund conference scholarships,” said Dr Bruce Pengelly, Coordinator of the Fund’s Queensland Committee.

“Stuart Irvine-Brown was supported to attend our conference in 2013 and was invited back to be part of a panel discussion at a Queensland event that aimed to build interest in young scientists in international agricultural research. I was pleased to hear recently that from that event, Stuart made connections with an Australian project leader and has been successful in securing a position that will see him travel to Ethiopia this week on the Australian supported SIMLESA project.”

“And Madaline Healey became an Australian volunteer in Laos after attending our 2012 conference and has just returned with a position at the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research,” said Bruce.

The Crawford Fund Queensland Committee is now adding to the effort with its new Crawford-in-Queensland Student Awards for both honours and postgraduate students interested in gaining more experience and expertise in international agricultural research. A small number of competitive research funding awards will be provided for tertiary students enrolled at a recognised Queensland tertiary institute and engaged in a relevant biophysical or socio-economic aspect of agriculture, animal production, fisheries, forestry, natural resource management or food security. It is hoped that the awards will facilitate active student participation in IAR projects in order to help them gain valuable experience and expertise in IAR. Further information and the application form are here.

“I’m hoping for a big response from Honours and Postgraduate students who are enrolled at a recognised Queensland tertiary institute and engaged in a relevant biophysical or socio-economic aspect of agriculture, animal production, fisheries, forestry, natural resource management or food security,” said Bruce.

Applications close on Friday 31 March 2015 and should be sent to [email protected] and Bruce is also happy to take queries.

• Download Application Form (MS Word format)