Borlaug Cocoa Fellowships for Researchers in Developing Countries 2018

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is now accepting applications for the 2018 Borlaug Global Cocoa Initiative Fellowships. Fellows will work with a mentor at USDA’s Agricultural Research Service or a U.S. university for up to 12 weeks on research related to improving cocoa production and quality. 

Application Deadline: 5th November 2017

Eligible Countries:

• Africa: Cameroon, Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana, Liberia
• Asia: Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Vietnam
• Latin America and the Caribbean: Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru, Trinidad and Tobago

To Be Taken At (Country): Africa and Middle East, Cameroon, Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana, Liberia, East Asia and the Pacific, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Vietnam, Western Hemisphere, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru, Trinidad and Tobago         

Type: Fellowship

Eligibility: To be considered for the Borlaug Fellowship Program, candidates must:

• Be citizens of an eligible country
• Be fluent in English
• Have completed a Master’s or higher degree
• Be in the early or middle stage of their career, with at least two (but not more than 10) years of practical experience
• Be employed by a university, government agency or research entity in their home country
• Demonstrate their intention to continue working in their home country after completing the fellowship

Selection Criteria: USDA selects candidates based on their academic and professional research interests and achievements, level of scientific competence, aptitude for scientific research, leadership potential, likelihood of bringing back new ideas to their home institution, and flexibility and aptitude for success in a cross-cultural environment. Consideration is also given to the relevance of the applicant’s research area to the research topics highlighted in the application announcement and to global food security and trade.

Number of Awards: Not specified

Value of Award: The Borlaug Global Cocoa Initiative Fellowship offers training opportunities in specific topics focused on cocoa breeding, integrated pest management, and post-harvest management.   The U.S. mentor will later visit the fellow’s home institution to continue collaboration

Duration of Program: 12 Weeks

How to Apply: Candidates must apply via the online application system. 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

Visit the Program Webpage for Details

Award Providers: U.S. Department of Agriculture