Conference Scholars

As part of our NextGen efforts to encourage young people in their study, careers and volunteering in international agricultural research, we once again offered our highly sought after conference scholarships.

Scholarships are offered to young people with a genuine interest in international agricultural development, to attend the Crawford Fund conference in Canberra, be mentored throughout and be involved in a range of fun, informative activities around the event.

The scholars are involved in two ½ days of activities in addition to the conference and they have a personal mentor throughout their visit and engage with keynote speakers, experienced Australian agricultural researchers and educators, and other passionate young people who have experience overseas in developing countries as researchers, volunteers or mentors.

This year we supported 39 university students from every State and Territory to attend the conference and be inspired by agriculture for development and the opportunities and impacts it offers them. You can read the 2024 scholar announcement here.

Feedback from scholar participants, is overwhelmingly positive, including this year’s cohort, and those from 2023 and 2022.  Year after year this event is rated as a unique learning, networking, and mentoring opportunity. Since the program started in 2010, we have had almost 450 scholars participate.

Mentor a Scholar

As part of the registration process you will be invited to be a mentor for one of our scholars. It is not an onerous task but there is an additional time commitment as we need you to attend a Monday scholar session from 12-4.30pm on Monday before the conference dinner but you are not needed after the conference finishes on Tuesday evening.

It’s easy! The idea is for you to shepherd your scholar, listen to their questions, hopes and plans, introduce them to people you know who may be knowledgeable in their area or related to their interests and talk through issues they raise from the conference. And encourage them.

HELP US SUPPORT YOUNG AUSTRALIANS TO OUR CONFERENCE AND SCHOLAR PROGRAM

To help us in our efforts, the Crawford Fund is offering delegates the opportunity to donate additional funds, above their registration fees, for this purpose.

Individuals, organisations or companies who make a donation will be acknowledged in the conference and listed in the conference proceedings, should they wish.

Thank you for any assistance you can provide for our efforts encouraging young Australians and harnessing their passion in international agricultural research.

For more information about the program, contact:

Ms Cathy Reade
Director of Outreach & Director of Conference and Scholar Program
The Crawford Fund
Email: [email protected]
Mobile: 0413 575 934