International Plant Genetic Resources Institute (IPGRI)
New Vavilov-Frankel Fellowship Opportunity for 2004 in Australia
From 2004, the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC), Australia is supporting the Vavilov-Frankel Fellowship to allow a young scientist to study in Australia or at an international agricultural research centre for a period of between three months and one year. IPGRI established the Fellowship Fund in 1989, to commemorate the unique contributions to plant science of Academician Nikolai Ivanovich Vavilov and Sir Otto Frankel. To date, 22 scientists from 16 developing countries have received awards to carry out innovative research related to the conservation and use of plant genetic resources.

The maximum award will be US$20 000 which is intended to cover travel, stipend, bench fees, equipment, conference participation and so on. Proposals should meet at least two of the following five criteria:

* Target a species that is a priority for both Australia and the home country
* Target an alternative, neglected or underutilized species with either environmental or economic potential for Australia
* Work on any of the following specific crops: wheat, barley, oats, sorghum, cereal rye, triticale, maize, canary seed, millets/panicum, canola, linseed, safflower, soybeans, sunflowers, chickpeas, cowpeas, fababeans, field peas, lentils, lupins, mung beans, navy beans, peanuts, pigeon peas and vetch
* Carry out research at Australian research institutes (or at an international agricultural research centre if the benefit of the research to Australia can be demonstrated)
* Use biotechnology in support of efficient use of plant genetic resources

The research should have a clear benefit and linkage to the home institute or home country or other developing country. Fellows are encouraged to present the results of their research at an international conference. This can take place within one year of termination of the Fellowship. Awards can be held concurrently with other sources of support.

Applications are invited from nationals of developing countries, aged 35 or under, holding a masters degree (or equivalent) and/or doctorate in a relevant subject area. Application forms and guidelines for preparation of research proposals may be obtained from:

 Vavilov-Frankel Fellowships
IPGRI
Via dei Tre Denari 472/a
00057 Maccarese, Rome, Italy
Fax:(39)0661979661
Email: e.clancy@cgiar.org
http://www.ipgri.cgiar.org/training/vavilov.htm

Applications must be in English and should include a covering letter, completed application form, full curriculum vitae, research proposal (which should follow the guidelines provided), a letter of acceptance from the proposed host institute and a letter of support from the home institute or other institute in a developing country (which should specify how the research will be applied to the benefit of the institute and/or country). Applications should be sent by mail, fax or email to the above address. Applications must be received at IPGRI by 5 January 2004. The successful applicants will be informed by 31 March 2004 and are required to take up their Fellowships before 31 December 2004.

IPGRI is a Future Harvest Centre supported by the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR)