The Rothamsted International Fellowship Scheme was initiated in 1993 by the Lawes Agricultural Trust to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the founding of Rothamsted Research, the world’s oldest agricultural research station.

The Fellowship scheme is managed by Rothamsted International and enables scientists from developing and emerging countries to carry out research projects for 6 to 12 months in collaboration with partner scientists at Rothamsted Research.

The purposes of the scheme are;
(a) to promote the exchange of vital scientific research skills to help agricultural and environmental needs in developing and emerging countries;
(b) to assist in individual and institutional capacity building;
(c) to foster long-term partnerships between overseas research organizations and Rothamsted Research.

Fellowships are open to mid-career scientists who wish to pursue strategic and applied research, learn new techniques or undertake other studies in the agricultural sciences and are entirely funded by donations from charitable trusts, foundations and individuals.

The project:

1. Is aligned with current science programmes of Rothamsted Research and has the support of the Head of Department.
2. High scientific quality as judged by the clarity and achievability of objectives.
3. Likely to be opportunities for publication in refereed journal(s).
4. Is applicable to, and has potential for development impact in the country concerned. For example:
   • Uses local material, samples, data etc.;
   • Clear dissemination and/or technology transfer routes available;
   • Prospects for continuing collaboration with development objectives in mind;
   • Fits within the development priorities of the country.
5. Similar progress cannot be achieved by any means other than a visit, e.g. use of literature sources.

The person:

1. Experience is appropriate to that of a ‘mid-career’ scientist who is normally the citizen of a developing or emerging country, or alternatively has been based exclusively within such a country.
2. There is an absolute requirement that the applicant undertakes to return to the home (developing) country or one closely related where the work can be applied. Thus, candidates who have extensive and/or continuous employment in a developed country are not likely to be awarded an RI Fellowship.
3. Not applicable to students at the start of their career, nor senior scientists in the later stages of their career who may be accustomed to a great deal of technical support within the laboratory. The average age of previous Fellows is around 37 years.
4. The individual is one that we know (directly or indirectly), have met, or has been highly recommended.
5. Leading up to submitting the Application there should be collaborative contact between the Applicant and the Project Leader to form a solid basis for a good and well-planned research project.
6. Rothamsted International especially encourages applications from women scientists.
7. There have been limited opportunities to travel and train in the past and alternative sources of current funding are not available.

General criteria and notes:

1. Strategic relevance to an area scientifically important to the development of Rothamsted Research’s programmes of work (in addition to point 1.1).
2. Candidates must fulfil the following conditions a) come from countries considered to be developing OR from less developed resource poor areas of countries that may be considered to be emerging economies; b) come from resource-poor institutes or laboratories; c) have not previously had an opportunity to travel widely.
3. There is clear potential for future collaboration (e.g. part of a larger project at an earlier stage), or there is potential to develop other project proposals and/or strengthen links.
4. Note that Rothamsted International Fellowships are awarded without regard to the political status of the country concerned provided other criteria are met satisfactorily.
5. Note that from time to time a donor may specify a general subject OR geographical area for which their donation may be used (e.g. farmland ecology). Normally announced in advance, these wishes must be strictly observed by the Awarding Panel or ratifying scientist.

The next deadline is 29th May 2011
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