2022 Conference Scholarships opportunity for young West Aussies

April 4, 2022

Crawford Fund conference 2019

Are you a West Australian, under 35, either a full-time university student or working in ag science or an allied industry, and interested in in agricultural development, or global food and nutrition security? Yes? We have an opportunity you won’t want to miss!

The Crawford Fund’s WA Committee has a fantastic opportunity for three young people passionate about food and nutrition security or agricultural research and development to attend the Crawford Fund’s Annual Conference as a scholarship winner.

These conference scholarships are an integral part of suite of NextGen activities to encourage young people in their study, careers and volunteering in international agricultural research and showcase for them, the diverse and exciting experiences that await.

People who have received scholarships in the past have come from a diverse range of disciplines, including outside agriculture, but all had a strong interest in food and nutrition security.

If you are based in WA, we strongly encourage you to seek out this opportunity and experience two fun and informative half days of activities including personal mentoring and first-hand advice about the opportunities available.

Our past scholars are overwhelmingly positive about their conference scholarship experience, seeing it as an invaluable mentoring, networking and motivational experience.

Our 2022 conference

The Crawford Fund’s annual conference is a highlight of Australia’s agricultural development and food security calendar. For almost 30 years we have drawn significant focus to issues worthy of global and Australian attention, and this year we continue that proud tradition.

This year the event and scholar activities will be held from 15-17 August in Canberra and promises to be quite special as it will celebrate agriculture for development in the year of the establishment of the Crawford Fund, 35 years ago and will focus on benefit, impact and the issues being faced now and into the future. The working title of the event is “Celebrating Agriculture for Development: outcomes, impacts and the way ahead” The high-level event gathers eminent international, public and private sector experts, providing those early in their career with some tremendous opportunities for networking and learning.

About the program

The scholars are involved in two ½ days of activities in addition to the conference. They engage with the 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 scholarships are awarded through our State and Territory programs, with conference registration fees and reasonable transport, food and accommodation costs covered by the award.

The fine print

Our scholarships include attendance of the conference and two half days of activities, conference registration fees, reasonable transport, food and accommodation costs.

All scholarships are subject to a suitable candidate being identified. Applicants must be:

  • under the age of 35 as at 1 July 2022,
  • either a full-time student at a university, or working in ag science or an allied industry,
  • able to demonstrate an interest in international agricultural development, and
  • Australian citizens or permanent residents.

Conference scholars agree to make a presentation at a relevant academic, research or other institute or group; work to enhance interest amongst their peers in international agricultural research; and provide a 500-word article outlining how they benefited from the conference and what they considered to be the highlights. These articles will be included in the Crawford Fund e-newsletter and website.

The application process is simple with a short online application form. Your application will be considered by our WA Committee and should explain why you wish to attend the conference, your bio details and relevant research or work interests. It should be accompanied by a letter of support from your university, research supervisor or employer.

Any questions before you start the application can be directed to the Crawford Fund’s WA Coordinator Emeritus Professor Lyn Abbott.

Applications close 25 June 2022.

All of the scholar feedback we received from the last full in-person Conference held in 2019 is available here.

To learn more about the Conference Scholar program, see:

Our event will be organised to comply with all COVID-related requirements to ensure a safe experience.