USDA Borlaug Fellowship Program for Philippines

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is pleased to announce the 2014 Norman E. Borlaug International Agricultural Science and Technology Fellowship Program (Borlaug Fellowship Program) for Philippines.

The Borlaug Fellowship Program promotes food security and economic growth by increasing scientific knowledge, advancing the transfer of new agricultural technology, and encouraging collaborative research to improve agricultural productivity. It offers training and collaborative opportunities to agricultural scientists, faculty and policymakers. Each Fellow works one-on-one with a U.S. mentor who coordinates the Fellow’s training. After completing the U.S.-based portion of the fellowship, the mentor visits the Fellow’s home institution to continue collaboration.

The 2014 Borlaug Fellowship Program is administered and funded by USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS). USDA selects U.S. mentors and host institutions for each Fellow.

The application deadline for the 2014 Borlaug Fellowship Program for Philippines is September 22, 2013.

Objectives:

• Provide early to midcareer agricultural research scientists, faculty and policymakers with one-on-one training opportunities in any agriculture-related field (see targeted research area below for this country);
• Provide practical experience and exposure to new perspectives and/or technologies that can be applied upon completion of the program in their home institutions;
• Foster increased collaboration and networking to improve agricultural productivity and trade;
• Facilitate the transfer of new scientific and agricultural technologies to strengthen agricultural practices; and
• Address obstacles to the adoption of technology such as ineffectual policies and regulations.

Targeted Research Areas:

• Biotechnology
  • Development of stress tolerant crops (rice)
• Biofuels
  • Development of alternative ethanol feedstocks (sweet sorghum)
• Genetics and Breeding
  • Dairy cattle and/or swine breeding: Molecular Characterization of Philippine Native cattle and Swine, Embryo and Sexing Technology, or Animal Identification and Traceability System

Length of Fellowships:

Fellowships are between six to 12 weeks in length. All program proposals should include goals that are achievable within the timeframe. After completing the U.S.-based portion of the fellowship, the mentor visits the Fellow’s home institution for up to 10 days to continue the collaboration.

Eligibility Requirements:

Candidates will be evaluated, interviewed and selected based on the following criteria:

• Citizen of Philippines;
• Good working knowledge of the English language;
• Holds a master’s degree with a minimum of two years of practical experience;
• Currently employed by a university, government, research institution and/or other institution with the intent to continue working in the home country for a minimum of two years following the return from the United States;
• Early to midstage of professional career; and
• Experience and focus in Biotechnology, Biofuels, or Genetics/Breeding.

Application Requirements:

Candidates must apply via the online application system (https://borlaug.myreviewroom.com). The following information will be required:

Completed application form

• 2-3 page program proposal and action plan
• Signed approval from applicant’s home institution
• Two letters of recommendation
• Official copy of transcript for college/university degree(s) received
• Copy of passport identification page

Contact Information:

For questions regarding the application process or the Borlaug Fellowship Program, please see the contact information below.