The Fellowship Fund of Biodiversity International was established in 1989 in memory of Academician Nikolai Ivanovich Vavilov’s and Sir Otto Frankel’s works and contributions in the field of plant science. Since its creation, the fund has supported a number of qualified scientists coming from different countries of the world. The Pioneer Hi-Bred and the Grains Research and Development Corporation have continually supported the Fellowship Fund in all these years.
Biodiversity International is currently seeking applications for two Fellowships, for up to US$ 20,000 each, which will be available for 2012 to carry out research, from 3 to 12 months, on a wide range of biophysical, economic and social themes related to the conservation and use of genetic resources in developing countries. Multi-disciplinary research is particularly encouraged. The fellowships are intended to cover travel, stipend for living expenses, bench fees, materials, insurance, conference participation and publications. They can be held concurrently with other sources of support.
Fellowship Themes
This year’s Vavilov-Frankel Fellowships call focuses on the following themes:
– Gene discovery in crop wild relatives
– Use of plant genetic resources for adaptation to progressive climate change
– Facilitating better use of genebank materials
– Researching neglected and underutilized species for food and nutrition security
– Policy research in support of the implementation of the International Treaty for Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture
– Applying economics to agrobiodiversity conservation, sustainable use and policy analysis
– Farmer, trader and market strategies for adding value to crop diversity
– Management of plant diseases through a better understanding of host-pathogen interactions and co-evolution
General Criteria for All Applicants
– Nationality
Applicants should be nationals of low and medium income countries, according to the Human Development Index.
– Age
Applicants should be no more than 35 years of age.
– Degree
Applicants should hold at least a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant subject area.
– Topic of research
All applications must address one of the Research Themes.
Applications may be submitted in English, French or Spanish
Last date for submitting the applications is November 6, 2011.
For more information and details, visit this link.
