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USDA Borlaug Fellowship

Program for Bulgaria

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) in cooperation with the America for Bulgaria Foundation is pleased to announce the 2011 Norman E. Borlaug International Agricultural Science and Technology Fellowship Program (Borlaug Fellowship Program) for Bulgaria.

The America for Bulgaria Foundation (ABF) assists in the development and growth of a vibrant private sector in Bulgaria, helping the country to realize its full potential as a successful, modern European nation.  ABF is a successor to the Bulgarian American Enterprise Fund, an investment fund created by the U.S. government acting through the U.S. Agency for International Development.  The grants provided by ABF build on the legacy of goodwill and friendship that exists between the American and Bulgarian people.

The Borlaug Fellowship Program promotes food security and economic growth by increasing scientific knowledge and research to improve agricultural productivity. The Program offers training and collaborative opportunities in agricultural research, international agricultural economics, leadership and policy to researchers in Bulgaria.  Competitively selected fellows will work one-on-one with a U.S. mentor who will coordinate the fellow’s training.  After completion of the 6-12 week fellowship, the mentor will visit the fellow's home institution for up to 10 days to continue collaboration on the research topic.  The USDA will select U.S. host institutions and mentors for each fellow.

The application deadline for the 2011 Borlaug Fellowship Program for Bulgaria is

March 20, 2011.

Objectives:

• Provide early to mid-career agricultural economists, research scientists, faculty, and policymakers with one-on-one training opportunities in the fields of agricultural policy and research (see targeted research areas below);

• Provide economists, scientists, faculty and policymakers with practical experience and exposure to novel perspectives and/or new technologies that can be applied upon completion of the program in their home institutions;

• Foster increased collaboration and networking to improve agricultural productivity and trade;

• Facilitate the transfer of new economic, scientific and agricultural technologies to strengthen agricultural practices;

• Address obstacles to the adoption of technology such as ineffectual policies and regulations.

Targeted Research Areas:     

1. Agricultural Market and Policy analysis

2. Animal and Plant Health and Veterinary Science

3. Food Safety/Biosafety

4. Agricultural and Food Biotechnology

5. Forestry Science

Length of Fellowships:

Fellowships are 6-12 weeks in length.  All program proposals should include goals that will be achievable within the timeframe of 6-12 weeks.

Eligibility Requirements:

Candidates will be evaluated, interviewed and selected based on the following criteria:

• Citizen of Bulgaria;

• Good working knowledge of the English language;

• Has a Masters degree

• Has at least two years’ practical experience

• Currently employed full time at a research institution with the intent to continue working in their home country for a minimum of two years following their return from the United States.

• Early-mid stage of professional career;

• Experience and focus in the targeted research area;

Application Requirements:

Eligible candidates are invited to submit the complete application including the following attachments no later than March 20, 2011.  Submitted applications should include:

• Application form

• Program proposal (2-3 pages)

• Signed approval of the applicant's home institution

• Two letters of recommendation

• Official copy of transcript of college degrees

• Copy of passport identification page

• One passport sized photo

Please include all application materials in one PDF document. Interviews for applicants who pass the initial screening will be held April, 2011. 

Contact Information:

For questions relating to the application process and to submit an application, please contact:

Mila Boshnakova          

mila.boshnakova@fas.usda.gov                       

Tel: 939 57 20, 939 57 74

United States Embassy
Office of Agricultural Affairs
16 Koziak St.
1407 Sofia, Bulgaria
agsofia@usda.gov
alex.todorov@fas.usda.gov

For additional information about the Borlaug Fellowship Program, please contact the USDA/FAS Coordinators for the 2011 Borlaug Fellowship Program for Bulgaria, or visit our website: http://www.fas.usda.gov/icd/borlaug/Borlaug.asp

Lisa Wendel                  Lisa.Wendel@fas.usda.gov

Catherine Chesnutt        Catherine.Chesnutt@fas.usda.gov