2026 conference scholarship opportunities now open!
March 12, 2026
The Crawford Fund for Food Security has launched its conference scholarships – a fantastic opportunity for people under 35 who are passionate about food and nutrition security or agricultural research and development.
As a student, would you like to know if a future career in international agriculture for development is for you?
If you are looking for a personally and professionally rewarding career spent applying solutions to local and global problems, a future in agricultural development, or food and nutrition security might be your calling!
We strongly encourage you to seek out this opportunity to attend our annual conference in Canberra in August and experience two fun and informative half days of activities around the conference including personal mentoring and first-hand advice about the opportunities available.
Some feedback from last year’s scholars:
“Networking proved especially valuable, the conference connected me to a diverse community of peers, mentors, and future potential collaborators. Exchanging ideas, challenges, and solutions with others who share a drive for sustainability left me energised and more hopeful about our collective capacity for change.”
Fahad Khan, Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture, University of Tasmania
“More broadly, the experience has made me re-evaluate the impact I can have as a researcher…I now see greater potential for my role to contribute to food security, sustainable livelihoods, and community resilience.”
Luke Pilmer, Murdoch University/DPIRD WA
“I return home inspired, better connected, and motivated to contribute to positive change in agricultural research.”
Jyothi Bhandari, Charles Darwin University
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 diversity of pathways available to explore.
Those 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.
Applications are open Australia-wide, but please note Queensland has already arranged their recipients so cannot take more applications.
Our 470 past scholars are overwhelmingly positive about their conference scholarship experiences, seeing it as an invaluable mentoring, networking and motivational experience. You can enjoy the thoughts and reflections of our 2025 scholars here.
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.
This year the conference scholar program will run from midday on Monday 10 August until 12pm on Wednesday 12 August, around our annual conference from the evening of 10 August and all day on 11 August.
At this year’s annual conference, we are excited to announce that we will also be incorporating a Poster Session into the event, so students and early career researchers can showcase their research – more details will be released soon!
We are really appreciative of the assistance we get in running the scholar activities by members of the Researchers in Agriculture for International Development (RAID Network).
Full details on eligibility and the application process are here. Any questions can be directed to the Crawford Fund Coordinator for your State/Territory.
The application process is simple with a short online application form.
Applications close COB Friday 22 May 2026.
Our 2026 conference
Australia’s key food security event, the Crawford Fund annual conference will be held on 10-11 August 2026 in the Great Hall of Parliament House, Canberra. The 2026 conference, “Emerging Voices Shaping Regional Integration for a Food Secure World,” comes at a pivotal moment. Food security is a top priority across our region, and Australia is developing its own national food security strategy. This year’s program will explore how regional integration in agricultural research and innovation can support food and nutrition security in a rapidly evolving geopolitical and climate environment.
Student Award and Henzell Award opportunities are also open!
As part of the Crawford Fund’s suite of opportunities in our NextGen program to encourage the next generation in agriculture for development, we also have Student Awards and Henzell Awards available for students at Australian universities. These awards can offer a valuable undergraduate experience or an opportunity to add an international component to your postgraduate studies. More details are available here. The closing date for these awards is – 12 May 2026.
