The Nuffield Farming Scholarships Trust is offering a fantastic opportunity to travel the world and contribute to the future of agriculture. They are looking for enthusiastic and knowledgeable applicants aged between 22 and 45, who have a passionate desire to contribute to their chosen industry and make a change to UK agriculture.
Whether you are undecided on applying, want advice on your application or want to find out more, the Nuffield team are on hand to help and can even put applicants in touch with a scholar for first hand advice. It only takes a few hours to complete an application and forms can be found on the Nuffield website here.
What’s it all about?
The Nuffield Farming Scholarships Trust, or, ‘Nuffield Farming’ offers a fantastic opportunity to travel the world and contribute to the future of agriculture.
Every year, the Trust selects around 20 individuals from across the agricultural community to be awarded an 18-month scholarship. They are looking for progressive and knowledgeable candidates aged between 22-45, who genuinely want to make a difference to UK agriculture and their own businesses.
Successful candidates will be offered £12,000 to complete the study and attend conferences and training, including no less than eight weeks of travel, and report back within 18 months with the findings. You can find out more about what scholars are investigating now on the website.
Choosing your scholarship subject
Think carefully about what areas within your industry would benefit from research and your understanding of them. Nuffield can offer guidance with proposed study ideas however, it is critical that applicant’s show they have thought the study through. Maybe speak with people within the industry and also consider the most valuable study trips you could propose. Think about what you want to achieve and how this will advance agriculture in the UK.
What makes a good applicant?
Nuffield are looking for applicants who have an established career and demonstrate a passion for the industry they work in. This can be anyone from UK agriculture in the broadest sense, ranging from the managing director of an animal feed business, an agronomist or a progressive farmer to professionals or those involved in the food chain.
Don’t be put off by a lack of formal qualifications because the Trust is looking for someone with life experience and who contributes to their industry or local community.
Once you have started your application give the Nuffield team a call. They can offer invaluable advice and information as well as putting you in contact with a scholar in your area or a specialist in your study topic. Speaking to scholars to get advice, as well as getting a good understanding of what the scholarship entails is a really good idea and will provide a good grounding for applications.
“Our scholars are of a certain character,” explains Nuffield director Mike Vacher.
“They like to challenge, are inquisitive, are excited with new opportunities and enjoy exchanging ideas and knowledge with contemporaries.
“The agricultural industry is bursting with these individuals, and I want to encourage them to apply for a Scholarship. It’s an amazing experience and can be life changing. It also offers lifelong opportunities to be engaged in the global agricultural community.
“Nuffield opens up a huge network of contacts to a Scholar, which can offer exceptional benefits for their farm or business. The study is very much the starting point of a life long journey.
What next?
The deadline for applications is 31st July 2016, with interviews taking place in mid-October.
Successful applications will attend a new scholars briefing and Nuffield Farming Scholarships Trust Annual Conference in Newcastle on the 23-25th November. Studies commence late March 2017.