Applications have opened for the largest pool ever of potential Nuffield Australia Farming Scholarships, with up to 30 opportunities available in 2017.
Nuffield Australia CEO Jim Geltch said the record number of scholarships is a clear sign of the importance of the program in Australian agriculture.
“Nuffield is the leading program for primary producers in Australia, identifying new leaders in industry and the community, and continuing to drive excellence in our agricultural industry,” Mr Geltch said.
“In these times of global communities it provides a global network of over 1,600 scholars from many other countries, as well as the support of industry groups and contemporaries across all sectors of agriculture,” he said.
“Even more than that is the lifelong friendships which are made between scholars all over the world, an aspect which is consistently voted as a massive highlight of a scholarship.”
He said a Nuffield Australia Scholarship opens doors, introducing scholars to information and experts otherwise unavailable.
“Successful scholars take part in the annual Nuffield Contemporary Scholars Conference as well as one of six Global Focus Programs featuring a six-week intensive itinerary of international travel with fellow scholars to look at international trade, marketing and environmental issues.
“The Nuffield Australia National Conference features a unique mix of returning scholar presentations featuring cutting edge research outcomes, highly regarded national and international speakers covering hot industry topics and a wide range of networking functions.
“Most significantly though is perhaps the opportunity to select an individual study program through countries of the scholars own choice, tracking down innovation and ideas to inform their own business, industry and communities.”
Nuffield Australia provides opportunities to Australian primary producers and managers to travel the globe investigating a research topic important to them and Australian agriculture.
Scholars are provided with a $30,000 bursary to embark on a 16-week program consisting of both group and individual travel over a two-year period.
“I strongly urge anyone who may have ever considered the need for better understanding of global agriculture, or a desire to gain more research into an industry issue to consider applying.
“These opportunities are unique in what you can gain from them.
“With a record number of applications available, there is no better time to apply.”
Applications close 30 June 2016. For more information visit www.nuffield.com.au