Global Rice Science Scholarship by International Rice Research Institute

Apply now for 2011 Global Rice Science Scholarship

If you are about to enroll or conduct your Ph.D. research, you could be one of the new generation of rice scientists with a 2011 Global Rice Science Scholarship (2011 GRiSS).

The 2011 GRiSS offers young agricultural scientists the opportunity to be experts in a scientific discipline and to have a broader understanding of the global issues that affect rice science for development.

This is a tremendous opportunity for scientists early in their career who are working in a national agricultural research and extension system in developing countries.

The Global Rice Science Partnership

The Global Rice Science Partnership (GRiSP) is a single strategic goal and work plan for global rice research.

GRiSP streamlines current research for development activities of the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR). GRISP aligns these initiatives with numerous partners and adds new research activities to which science can make significant contributions.

This partnership also builds the capacity of the next generation of rice scientists. Partners are advanced research institutions and universities; national research, education, and extension systems; international and regional fora and development organizations; CGIAR centers; emerging national research systems; the private sector; and civil society organizations.

Research areas: rice science and related systems research

Agronomy
Crop physiology
Entomology
Plant pathology
Soil and water science
Plant breeding
Social sciences

Types of scholarship

3–4 years for a full Ph.D. program
Up to 3 years for a Ph.D. sandwich degree program

Scholarship benefits

Round-trip airfare and related travel expenses
Monthly stipend with local medical and accident insurance
Research support
Leadership and professional development funds
University fees (with an upper limit)

PROCEDURE AND REQUIREMENTS
All Global Rice Science Scholarships (GRiSS) are awarded on a competitive basis for developed- and developing-country candidate participation. For the GRiSS, a Selection Committee, composed of the training head or equivalent from the respective research institution, and the respective research unit heads and program leaders will guide the selection process.

Eligibility requirements

Be outstanding scholars or students seeking a career in rice research
Be highly qualified scientists early in their career
Be involved in the field of rice science and related systems research
Possess adequate proficiency in English
Be able to complete university registration within a minimal time of scholarship being awarded
If already enrolled and applying for a Ph.D. sandwich degree program, the applicant must also have endorsement from his/her university supervisor to participate.

Potential applicants may seek co-funding for their research and study from different sources that may provide more flexibility in their choice of a university.

We provide a gender-sensitive environment and strongly encourage women applicants.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

1. Interested applicants should send their applications directly to: GRiSPScholarships@irri.org.

The following documents should be submitted:

Application letter
Filled-out application form (click here to download form)
A one-page document indicating preferred key organization and why
Updated curriculum vitae (CV)
Certificate of English Proficiency satisfying university entry requirements (e.g., PETS5, TOEFL, GRE, TSE, IELTS) or, for French or Spanish speakers, the respective proficiency
Transcript of records (B.S., M.S., and Ph.D.—copy of grades for coursework only (for Ph.D. sandwich degree program applicants only)
Endorsement from the university where the scholar is currently enrolled if applying for Ph.D. sandwich degree program
Letter of assessment from an expert in the same research area
Copy or evidence of registration/acceptance from the designated institution or university. This can be a copy of your enrollment certificate or a letter from the university confirming your acceptance.

2. Application forms can be downloaded from http://grisp.irri.org/GlobalRiceScience-Scholarships or from any of the following: IRRI, AfricaRice, CIAT, CIRAD, or IRD Web sites (see below). You must submit completed application forms and the required documents on or before APRIL 30, 2011. Applicants should indicate in the cover letter that they wish to be considered for the Global Rice Science Scholarship. All documents that will be submitted for the Global Rice Science Scholarship should use “GRiSS Application” as the email subject.

3. Send completed application documents to GRiSPScholarships@irri.org.

4. You are required to submit electronic copies of all the forms and attachments.

5. All application requirements must be fulfilled before APRIL 30, 2011. Potential candidates are encouraged to apply as early as possible.

6. Based on established criteria, all suitable candidates will be notified and sent unconditional offer / invitation letters by May 31, 2011.

Only completed application documents will be processed.

Applications will be reviewed and evaluated after the closing date. Scientists who may potentially supervise the scholar in the respective center will be part of the evaluating committee.

Selection may involve communications among the center scientist, the university, and the scholar when deciding on a thesis research area. The agreed research thesis must contribute to the Global Rice Science Partnership milestones.
For a person applying from a NARES (public or private or civil society), it is essential that the applicant demonstrate that she/he is engaged in rice research and will contribute to rice research upon return to her/his institution or company.

Applicants will be informed of the status of their application.

All application documents must be sent to: GRiSPScholarships@irri.org

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS: APRIL 30, 2011

We provide a gender-sensitive environment and strongly encourage women applicants.

Hosting organizations

International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) www.irri.org
IRRI is a global leader in rice science and has been helping farmers boost their rice production through improved rice varieties and other technologies for more than 50 years.

Africa Rice Center (AfricaRice) www.africarice.org
AfricaRice is a leading pan-African research organization that contributes to poverty alleviation and food security in Africa through research, development, and partnership activities.

International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT) www.ciat.cgiar.org
CIAT is an agricultural research institution that focuses on scientific solutions to hunger in the tropics by promoting eco-efficient agriculture in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Centre de coopération internationale en recherche agronomique pour le développement (CIRAD) www.cirad.fr
CIRAD is a French research center that focuses on life, social, and engineering sciences applied to agriculture, food, and rural territories, with the aim of tackling international agricultural and development issues.

Institut de recherche pour le développement (IRD) www.ird.fr
IRD is a French public research institute working for the development of Southern countries by conducting research that addresses major development challenges regarding environment, sustainable development of living resources, social studies, and health.

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