Guild members who relish the idea of following in the footsteps of colleagues by becoming a Nuffield Farming Scholar have only until the end of July to put in their bid.
“Moving the deadline forward from the usual November date will allow newly awarded Scholars to attend the annual Conference,” explains Stephen Watkins, chairman of the Nuffield Farming Scholarships Trust. “It will also give them more time for planning before taking part in the pre-study international conference and embarking on their studies at the beginning of the following year.”
Nuffield Scholars from previous years include freelance journalist Caroline Stocks, who investigated the challenges of communicating effectively with farmers and others in rural industries. Fellow freelance Sara Gregson used her scholarship to find ways to encourage UK farmers to make more of their grassland and subsequently founded the BGS Grazing Partners Scheme, which matches successful grassland farmers with those less confident in their grassland management skills.
The study and travel bursaries are available to individuals between 22 and 45 years of age who have been engaged in farming, rural land-based industries, food industries or agricultural associated industries for at least two years. Studies must involve at least eight weeks of travel during the 18-month scholarship and result in a comprehensive report to the Trust.
The comprehensive scope of the scholarship awards has been extended by the introduction of a new arable sector award sponsored by the HGCA.
“The HGCA is a leader in the field of research and practical advice, so it is fitting that the organisation is sponsoring a Scholar,” says Stephen Watkins. “It will give an individual the chance to go to the corners of the globe and bring home research and knowledge which would not have been possible without the HGCA’s backing.”
For the HGCA, director Rebecca Geraghty said: “A Nuffield scholarship offers the opportunity for strategic thinking. It’s a positive benefit for the arable industry and we are keen to encourage more applications from our sector.”
The application process and requires one form to be completed on the www.nuffieldscholar.orgwebsite.
