ACT Committee
The Fund’s Australian Capital Territory Program was established in 2006. Its location in Canberra provides a great opportunity to work with several Departments and Agencies of the Australian Government including ACIAR and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade – and with a number of the peak bodies that are part of the Australian agricultural, forestry and fisheries industries. The organisation also has access to eminent researchers in scientific organisations and universities based in the nation’s capital, including the Australian National University (ANU), the University of Canberra (UC) and CSIRO.
The Program focuses across the Indo-Pacific in line with Australia’s development policy. Travel and training activities are supported on a case-by-case basis. These activities reflect the ACT’s strength in technical, economic, resource management and policy research that has national and international implication and impact. A brochure summarising our activities is available here.
2026 Crawford Fund Student Awards – ACT
As part of our efforts to support and encourage the next generation in study, careers and volunteering in international agricultural research, the Crawford Fund proudly supports our Student Awards. These awards have been developed specifically to enable university students to gain valuable experience and expertise by bringing an international component to their studies and research.
The Crawford Fund 2026 Student Awards are now open!
In the ACT, applications are invited from undergraduate, postgraduate and honours students interested in gaining international agricultural research experience in developing countries, with a maximum of $5,000 awarded. We strongly recommend you read this general background information before you start your online application and we encourage you to contact the Coordinator (listed in the background document) for any clarification you may need. The online application form will require you to attach a brief CV, the signatures of, or a supporting note from, the authorised officers approving your application, and details of at least one referee.
Apply online and take a look at the suggested reporting guidelines for an idea of what is expected once the experience is over.
PLEASE NOTE THAT APPROVED AWARDEES’ TRAVEL WILL NEED TO COMPLY WITH DFAT TRAVEL ADVICE FOR SAFETY AND HEALTH PURPOSES.
The closing date for the 2026 Student Awards is Tuesday 12 May 2026.
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR 2025 STUDENT AWARD RECIPIENTS!
Congratulations to the 2 successful applicants from the ACT, who received 2025 awards to gain experience in international agricultural research and development first hand.
2026 Crawford Fund Henzell Awards
The Crawford Fund for Food Security is offering travel awards designed specifically for Australian citizens and permanent residents in their second or subsequent year of an undergraduate degree, thanks to support from Ted and Frances Henzell and their family. The Henzell’s and the Crawford Fund hope by experiencing work on the ground in a partner country, you may be encouraged to consider further related study and develop a career to join the many others active with Australian and international institutions having an impact on food and nutrition security.
The Crawford Fund 2026 Henzell Awards are now open!
All the details are available here.
The closing date for the 2026 Henzell Awards is Tuesday 12 May 2026.
Congratulations to the four successful applicants who received our 2025 Henzell Awards.
ACT Crawford Fund Scholars: 2025 Annual Conference
Each year, the Crawford Fund Committees offer Conference Scholarships for students and young researchers to attend the annual conference. The Scholarship provides funds to cover expenses such as travel, accommodation and registration.
We’re excited to announce our bumper crop of 34 from universities and organisations across Australia! This takes our conference scholar alumni to over 500 young students and researchers and industry representatives with an interest in reshaping agriculture to better address food security, the nutritional needs of a growing population, and the environment.
The 2025 conference scholars from the ACT are:
Diksh Preet Kaur Raina, Australian National University/CSIRO
Nicola Roysmith, Australian National University
ACT Committee in the News
- Hosting international ag experts in Canberra
- The Business of Plant Breeding in Africa
- Understanding the freshwater fisheries value chain and food systems change framework in the Lower Mekong Basin
- “Each conversation I had provided me with a new insight, some advice or an opportunity to follow up on” – Our scholar reflections from the ACT
- Proudly announcing our 2025 Student Awardees!
Events
- Your invitation to: Crop Diversity – A Lifeline for Resilience, Peace, Nutrition and Food Security
- Your invitation to: Food Security, Climate Resilience and Innovation
- Crawford Fund at ABARES Outlook Conference
- Celebrating Australians in International Agricultural Research