2025-2028 FFAR Fellows Program

The Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research (FFAR), in partnership with North Carolina State University, administers the FFAR Fellows Program to develop the next generation of scientific leaders in food and agriculture. This program supports PhD students whose research aligns with FFAR’s priority areas and addresses challenges facing food and agricultural systems such as climate change, evolving pests and pathogens, and increasing global demand. The program runs from 2025 to 2028 and is uniquely structured to break disciplinary silos while emphasizing both research and professional development. The FFAR Fellows Program is open for applications for its 2025–2028 cohort. There are two distinct tracks available: the Research plus Professional Development track and the Professional Development-only track. The deadline to apply for the Research plus Professional Development track is February 22, 2025, while the deadline for the Professional Development-only track is April 15, 2025. Applicants must meet several eligibility criteria, including completion of a master’s degree or one year of a PhD program by August 2025, acceptance into a PhD program by May 1, 2025, and confirmation of a faculty advisor and financial sponsor. A unique aspect of the program is the requirement for fellows to secure a sponsor who will provide 50 percent of the funding for the three-year program. Sponsors may include companies, foundations, NGOs, grower organizations, or university departments using non-federal funds. Total sponsorship costs are $97,500 for Stipend Fellows and $15,000 for Non-Stipend Fellows. Regardless of sponsorship level, all fellows receive the same professional development training and cohort experience. Selected fellows receive comprehensive professional development training in addition to conducting research. Each fellow is paired with an industry mentor who helps guide their professional journey and ensures their readiness to enter the STEM workforce upon graduation. Training includes soft skills development, cross-disciplinary learning, and regular engagement in fellowship activities equivalent to a one-hour course each semester. All fellows must attend the full orientation week at North Carolina State University in Raleigh, North Carolina, scheduled for August 3–9, 2025. Fellows must also have legal residency or a study visa and be willing to fully participate in the program's activities throughout the duration. Further details about application requirements and program expectations can be found on the FFAR Fellows website. Inquiries can be directed to FFAR’s Grants Team via email at grants@foundationfar.org. The program aims to equip emerging scientists with the necessary tools, mentorship, and collaborative environment to become effective contributors to the future of global food and agriculture systems.

The program emphasizes breaking down disciplinary silos and focuses on professional development and soft skills, preparing students to become future leaders in the food and agriculture sectors.