2017 Conference Scholarships Launched

May 23, 2017

As part of the Fund’s efforts to encourage young people in their study, careers and volunteering in international agricultural research, conference scholarships are offered to young Australians with a genuine interest in international agricultural development, to attend the Crawford Fund conference in Canberra.

Former conference scholars confirm this is a unique learning, networking and mentoring opportunity.  The scholars are involved in two ½ days of activities in addition to the conference; engage with keynote speakers, experienced Australian agricultural researchers and educators, and other passionate young people who have experience overseas in developing countries as researchers, volunteers or mentors.

The awards are made through our State and Territory programs. Eligible costs to be met from the scholarships include conference registration fees and related reasonable transport, food and accommodation costs.

Full details on eligibility and the application process are here.

Our conference this year runs over 7 and 8 August in Canberra and is titled Transforming lives and livelihoods – the digital revolution in agriculture. We will be addressing the current and future likely impact of the data revolution for smallholder farmers. The conference will be launched in June with the full program and registration.

Dr Lindiwe Majele Sibanda, a global leader in agriculture, climate change and nutrition, will be presenting the Sir John Crawford Memorial Address at our networking dinner on Monday, 7 August.

Dr André Laperrière, Executive Director of the Global Open Data for Agriculture and Nutrition and Dr Andy Jarvis, who is leading the CGIAR Platform for Big Data in Agriculture, are this year’s keynote speakers.

The Crawford Fund Board, 2016 scholars and staff

“Attending the Crawford Conference as a scholar was the most exciting experience I ever had at any conference.” Shumala Arif – ACT scholar

“The 2016 Crawford Fund Conference presented proactive talks in the realm of food security and research for development. At the conclusion of the conference and scholar days, I had a renewed perception on my PhD project and returned to my office with increased energy and enthusiasm.” Thomas Williams – NSW scholar

“It was great to hear other people’s experiences and their journeys of how they got to where they were.” Elya Richardson – TAS scholar

Support our Efforts
You can support our scholar efforts! We are hoping individuals and sponsors from the public and private sectors will want to join us in our efforts to encourage young people in agriculture for development by supporting this scholarship program. To learn more about the program, and how you can support more young people in their knowledge, study, careers and volunteering around food security, we have the following information available:

  • a video on our YouTube site, and
  • a scholar program booklet.

Or contact Cathy Reade on: 0413 575 934; [email protected].

You will also be able to donate to the scholar program as you register for our conference.