Bioversity International, based in Rome, Italy, undertakes, encourages and supports research aimed at enhancing the sustainable use and conservation of agricultural biodiversity to the world’s most vulnerable communities through:
– better nutrition, especially in developing countries
– sustainable farming practices, to secure our future food supplies
– conservation and use, to ensure that everyone can grow the food they need
Vavilov–Frankel Fellowships 2012
Bioversity International has announced call for research proposals for two Vavilov–Frankel Fellowships 2012, amounting 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.
These opportunities are available with support from Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc., United States and the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC), Australia.
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.
Research Themes
Applications for both the GRDC and Pioneer-supported Fellowships must address one of the following research 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 implementation of the International Treaty for Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture
– Applying economics to agrobiodiversity conservation, sustainable use and policy analysis
– Management of plant diseases through a better understanding of specific host-pathogen interactions and co-evolution
– Farmer, trader and market strategies for adding value to crop diversity
General Eligibility Criteria
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.
Last date for submission of application is November 6, 2011
For more information and details, you can visit this link.
