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Frequently Asked Questions

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About the Program

Eligibility

Applying

About the Program

What is the Borlaug Fellowship Program?

The Norman E. Borlaug International Agricultural Science and Technology Fellowship Program (Borlaug Fellowship Program) offers training and collaborative research opportunities for early and mid-career researchers and policymakers from developing and middle-income countries.

What is the purpose of the Program?

The Borlaug Fellowship Program was established to promote food security and economic growth in developing and middle-income countries by increasing scientific knowledge and supporting collaborative research to improve agricultural productivity. The Program seeks to increase cooperation and networking among scientists, researchers, policymakers and regulators from around the globe.

What does a Fellowship consist of?

The Fellowship provides promising individuals in the early to mid stages of their careers with a short-term opportunity to work closely with U.S. experts at a host institution in their field of agricultural science or policy. They are exposed to cutting edge knowledge and research techniques while working one-on-one with a mentor in their field of study. During the fellowship, participants carry out laboratory and/or field research, enjoy access to fully equipped libraries, make professional contacts within the U.S. research and government communities, and learn more about public-private partnerships.

How long will the Fellowship last?

Fellowships generally last up to twelve weeks depending on the research topic and funding availability.

What costs does a Fellowship cover?

The Fellowship covers all program related expenses as budgeted by the host institution.  These covered costs include airfare, housing, health insurance, research materials, and per diem (daily allowance for meals and incidentals).

Who sponsors the Borlaug Fellowship Program?

The Program is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Are training locations limited to the United States or are there overseas opportunities?

Training and collaborative research opportunities will be sponsored by universities and government agencies in the United States as well as regional and international agricultural research centers and public and private sector research and policy institutions worldwide. Programs that include partnership with centers associated with the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research system or other international centers will receive priority.

What thematic areas does the Program cover?

The program encompasses the wide variety of agricultural topics related to production, processing and marketing that support global food security and trade. Training can be offered in any agriculture-related field including agronomy, plant pathology, entomology, veterinary sciences, microbiology, agricultural biotechnology, agricultural economics, natural resources management, biofortification and nutrition, agricultural extension, food safety, plant and animal health, global climate change, and agricultural policy. Agricultural topics allowed vary from country to country and can be found in the country-specific application announcements posted on the website.

How are programs developed?

Training programs are tailored to the training objectives listed in the candidate's proposal and discussed during the interview process. Therefore, it is important that the application contain detailed information on the candidate’s background and research interests. Programs are further developed once the applicant has been accepted to the program and begins to consult with their U.S. mentor.

May I bring my family?

Family members are discouraged from accompanying or joining a participant while he/she is in training.  The program does not fund any expenses to family accompanying the participant and is not responsible in any way for family members.
 

Eligibility

Do I have to be a scientist?

No. The Program offers training and collaborative research opportunities for international agricultural researchers, faculty members, policymakers, and regulators.

Do I have to speak English?

Yes. All Program correspondence and instruction will be in English. Applicants must have an adequate working knowledge of written and spoken English.

Can U.S. citizens apply?

No. The Program is for citizens of developing or middle-income countries. Only citizens of the country where the Borlaug Fellowship Program is offered can apply.
 

Applying

How do I apply to be a Fellow?

Applicants must apply through the USDA/FAS office at the U.S. Embassy or at a designated partner institution in their country of origin.

What types of forms are required?

There is a single application form which can be found on the website.

What kind of supplementary documentation is required?

In addition to the application form, applicants must provide signed approval from an official representative of their home institution; college transcripts; two letters of recommendation; a copy of the identification page of the applicant’s passport; and one passport-size photograph.

Where can I get an application form and instructions? 

The application and basic information on how to apply is available on the Borlaug Fellowship Program website.

When is the application deadline?

The application deadline varies by country. Please refer to the country-specific announcement page on the Borlaug Fellowship Program website.

What is the selection criteria used in reviewing applications?

Applicants are selected based on their academic and professional research interests and achievements, level of scientific competence, aptitude for scientific research, leadership potential, likelihood of bringing back new ideas to their home institution, and flexibility and aptitude for success in a cross-cultural environment. Consideration is also given to the relevance of the applicant’s research area in relation to the agricultural research topics highlighted in the application announcement and to global food security and trade.

 

 

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