2019 washington state university cgiar borlaug fellowship ...€¦ · web viewthe reciprocal...

2019 Washington State University CGIAR Borlaug Fellowship Program Application This is the application for the Washington State University (WSU) CGIAR Borlaug Fellowship Program (BFP), under the auspices of the USDA Borlaug International Agricultural Science and Technology Fellowship Program. The first part of this document explains the details of the program and the eligibility requirements; the second part is an application form and appendix that provide examples and templates. An application will only be reviewed if all documents are complete and submitted as a single application package. Applicants will be evaluated, interviewed, and selected based on their entire application package and supporting materials. A complete submission package includes:

□ Application form (sections 1-7)□ Research Proposal (sections 8)□ Research Plan (sections 9)□ Copy of passport (section 10)□ Copy of transcript(s) or diploma(s) from Master’s and/or Ph.D. program. An official

transcript may be requested prior to the fellowship. (section 11)□ Signed forms

Application Certification form Approval of Home Institution form Conditions of Training form

□ Two (2) reference letters

Application materials and reference letters are due by 11:59 pm Pacific on Thursday, January 31, 2019. Materials must be submitted in a single email with multiple attachments to WSU Global Research and Engagement (GRE; [email protected]). Label the email subject line “APPLICANT NAME-WSU CGIAR BFP Application”. Each attachment should be labeled “APPLICANT NAME-document title“.

It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that all necessary documentation is complete and received on time. WSU bears no responsibility for data errors resulting from transmission or conversion processes associated with electronic submissions. Applicants should immediately check their own email after sending materials electronically to confirm that the attachments they intended to send were indeed sent. WSU will provide an email confirmation of receipt.

If applicants discover an error in their transmission, please send the material again and note in the subject line of the email or indicate in the file name that it is a "CORRECTED" submission. Do not send the same email more than once unless there has been a change, and if so, please note that it is a "CORRECTED" email. WSU cannot accept e-mails over 25MB in size (all attachments combined).

Please contact GRE ([email protected]) with any questions.Program Background

WSU CGIAR BFP Application (rev. Oct 2018) of 16

mailto:[email protected]


Today, agriculture faces complex issues that require innovative research approaches that lead to improved practice and policy adoption. No single entity or research institution can resolve all critically important issues of food security, global climate change, nutrition, and agricultural productivity. The United States Department of Agriculture Foreign Agricultural Service (USDA-FAS) is committed to building stronger research collaborations among USDA’s offices, CGIAR Centers, and U.S. Land-Grant Universities in order to enhance agricultural productivity, increase participation in the international trade market, and build a food-secure globe.

The Borlaug International Agricultural Science and Technology Fellowship Program is a prestigious program that honors Norman E. Borlaug, the American agronomist, humanitarian, and Nobel laureate who is known as the “Father of the Green Revolution.” Since the program’s inception in 2004, more than 850 Fellows from 69 countries have participated in research and training focused on a wide array of agriculture-related topics. The WSU CGIAR Borlaug Fellowship Program is a unique exchange initiative that focuses on collaborative research. It is administered and funded by USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) and implemented by Washington State University.

Program Description

WSU will provide four (4) fellowships to CIAT, CIMMYT, CIP, ICARDA, or Worldfish employees. The fellowships will provide early and mid-career researchers with the opportunity to enhance their skills through collaborative joint research projects in the United States. Such collaborations can result in peer-reviewed publications, contribution to institutional decision-making, changes in protocol or processes, and/or creation of new partnerships. The duration of scientific exchange is flexible but cannot exceed 12 weeks. All program activities have to be completed within a 15-month period.

The fellowship shall be conducted between CIAT, CIMMYT, CIP, ICARDA, or Worldfish and Washington State University. While in the United States, the Fellow will be exposed to issues related to their research topics, U.S. systems, methodologies, newest technologies in their field, and an opportunity to conduct research. WSU will arrange relevant field visits to local farms, processing plants, private industry, or scientific meetings as applicable to the research project.

Applicants may propose projects in any topic of agricultural research, including but not limited to: agricultural biotechnology, agricultural systems, animal health and nutrition, breeding and genetics (plant and animal), climate change, entomology, field crops and horticulture, food safety, food security and post-harvest loss, nutrition, plant health, plant pests and pathology, resilient agriculture, soil science, and water resource management. Applicants are encouraged to review the WSU website (https://wsu.edu/) to familiarize themselves with the university, its faculty, and their research strengths.

Applicants will be matched with a WSU mentor after their selection as a Fellow. Applicants may already have connections to WSU researchers or choose to contact a potential mentor in advance to discuss possible research collaborations, but this is not required. A few tips for


https://wsu.edu/

contacting WSU researchers to propose a research project are found in Appendix A. Applicants may identify possible mentors in their application; however, the selection committee will have the responsibility and authority to assign mentors to each of the four selected Fellows.

The WSU mentor is expected to conduct part of the research as well as a reciprocal visit to the Fellow’s home institution. The reciprocal visit will be part of a research exchange conducted at the end of fellowship and the WSU mentor will work with the CGIAR researcher to plan the appropriate follow-up visit. Before leaving the U.S. at the end of the fellowship, a Fellow may visit USDA in Washington, D.C. to present scientific findings and a summary of scientific exchange activities, obstacles, and achievements. Fellows will also have the opportunity to participate in a professional conference with their WSU mentor.

Eligibility Requirements

To be considered for the WSU CGIAR Borlaug Fellowship Program, candidates must: Be currently employed by CIAT, CIMMYT, CIP, ICARDA, or WorldFish Be a citizen of an eligible BFP country

o Algeria, Bangladesh, Burkina Faso, Cambodia, Colombia, Costa Rica, Egypt, Ethiopia, Georgia, Ghana, Guatemala, Honduras, India, Indonesia, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Liberia, Malawi, Malaysia, Mexico, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru, Philippines, Rwanda, Senegal, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Thailand, Tunisia, Turkey, Uganda, Ukraine, Vietnam, Zambia

Have never participated in either the Cochran Fellowship or Borlaug Fellowship Programs in the past

Have completed a Master’s degree or higher Be in the early or middle stage of their career, with at least 2 years (but not more than

15 years) of relevant work experience from the date their last degree was awarded Be proficient in speaking/reading/writing English Demonstrate their intention to continue working in their home country after completing

the fellowship Receive a medical clearance (required only after selection as a Fellow)

Evaluation Criteria

Years of Relevant Work Experience (5 points) Research Proposal (10 points) Feasibility of Research/Action Plan (5 points) Leadership Potential (10 points) Communication Skills (5 points) Institutional Support (5 points) Commitment to Borlaug Fellowship Program Goals (10 points)

Tentative Timeline


November 2018 Application period opensJanuary 31, 2019 Application period closesFebruary 2019 Preliminary review of applicationsMarch 2019 Applicants evaluated, interviewed, and selected April 2019 Fellows and mentors matched; research and travel plans

completedMay - October 2019 Fellows at WSUAugust 2019 - January 2020 Mentors conduct reciprocal visits to Fellow’s home country


APPLICATION FORMPlease type all information. Tables will expand to accommodate text.

1. Biographical Information

Last Name (Surname) First Name Middle Name(s)

Nationality Home Mailing Address Email Address

Current Employer

Male Female

Work Telephone Number Home Telephone Number Mobile Telephone Number

Date of Birth (Month/Date/Year)

City and Country of Birth Name of Emergency Contact Person

Country Issuing Passport Passport Issue Date

Passport Expiration Date

Emergency Contact Person’s Telephone Number

2. Education History

Name of Institution Degree obtained Dates of AttendanceBachelor’s Degree

Master’s Degree

PhD

3. Language Skills

Reading Writing SpeakingEnglish


4. Current Employment

Organization or Company Name / Department Mailing Address and Telephone Number

Website Address

Dates of Employment Your Position Title

Supervisors Name / Position Title / Department Supervisor’s Email address

Supervisor’s Telephone Number

Duties: Please concisely describe your job-related responsibilities and accomplishments


5. Previous Employment OR University Enrollment (i.e. Master’s or Ph.D. program), if less than five (5) years at your current employer

Organization, Company, or University Name / Department

Mailing Address and Telephone Number

Website Address

Dates of Employment Your Position Title

Supervisors Name / Position Title / Department Supervisor’s Email address

Supervisor’s Telephone Number

Duties: Please concisely describe your job-related responsibilities and accomplishments

Reasons for leaving


6. Provide the name and email address for two professional references who will provide letters of recommendation (one from your supervisor or institutional representative; one from a professional colleague). We recommend you send your references the letters of recommendation guidance located in Appendix B.

Name Title and Relation to you Email

7. Publications

List all publications relevant to your proposal here

8. Research Proposal (Narrative; two-page maximum):a. State the goal(s) of your research proposal in one sentence.b. Identify the specific research objective(s) that will achieve your goal.c. How does your proposal align with or support the goals and objectives of CIAT,

CIMMYT, CIP, ICARDA, or Worldfish?d. Provide background information about your research, explaining it in terms that

someone unfamiliar with your scientific field can understand.e. Describe what you hope to accomplish during your fellowship. How do your research

interests and scientific background relate to the goals of your program proposal?f. How will your participation in this program contribute to the enhanced agricultural

productivity, economic development, and food security in your country?g. (Optional) List of possible WSU mentors or specific mentor with whom the applicant

has connected. WSU researchers may provide a letter of support if they wish.

The research proposal should be attached to your application as a separate document. Proposals must be single-spaced, Times New Roman, 12-pt font with one-inch borders.

9. Research Plan (Table; two-page maximum): We recognize that this plan may be subject to change, however, we encourage you to be as specific as possible. Please note any special materials and/or equipment needed for research.

The research plan should be attached to your application as a separate document using the template provided in Appendix C. A research plan example is provided in Appendix D.

10. Please include as an attachment one (1) copy of your passport (the page that includes your picture and expiration date).

11. Please attach a copy of your Master’s degree transcript and/or Ph.D. transcript or a copy of your diploma(s). Official transcripts may be requested prior to fellowship award.


WSU CGIAR Borlaug Fellowship Program – Application Certification

I, __________________ , certify the following:

All information provided on this application form is true to the best of my knowledge and that willful misstatement may lead to disqualification and/or revocation of the fellowship.

I have no known established and/or expected business, employment or other commitments that would prevent me from completing the fellowship program if selected.

______ Applicant’s Signature Date


WSU CGIAR Borlaug Fellowship Program – Approval of Home Institution

I certify that __ is a staff member at and is under my supervision. I agree to his/her application to the WSU CGIAR Borlaug Program and understand that, if selected, the candidate must be available to spend 12 weeks working either in the U.S. or at his/her home institution with a selected U.S. scientist within an 18-month period.

_______ Signature of authorized institutional representative Date

______ Print name and position title


WSU CGIAR Borlaug Fellowship Program – Conditions of Training

Full Name of Applicant:

Applicants Home Country:

If I am accepted to the CGIAR Borlaug Fellowship Program, I agree to adhere to my arranged program, to devote my time and attention to my research and/or practical training, and to conform to the WSU CGIAR Borlaug Fellowship Program regulations and procedures for the duration of my fellowship program. I will not seek extension of the period of my program and will return to my country immediately upon completion of my training. I understand that I must fulfill the two-year home residency requirement of the J-1 visa. I agree to conform to all laws of the United States.

Furthermore, I certify that I understand and agree with the following policies of the WSU CGIAR Borlaug Fellowship Program:

I. DependentsWSU and USDA cannot permit dependents to accompany a CGIAR Borlaug Fellow during the training program. USDA defines dependents as spouses of any age and children under the age of 21.

II. Conditions for termination of Training Programs:WSU and USDA reserves the right to terminate the program of those participants who:

a. Change the course of study without authorization from WSU and USDA/FAS; b. Fail to show sufficient interest in or to pursue effectively their training program;c. Fail to notify WSU and USDA of significant medical issues that could impact the

program;d. Conduct themselves in a manner prejudicial to the program or to the laws of the

United States;e. Fail to disclose plans to marry or extend stay in the United States;f. Obtain employment in the United States without prior USDA approval; org. Falsify information on the application and/or supporting documents in any way.

III. Financial SupportThe applicant is aware that the financial support provided by WSU and USDA is for travel, training fees, emergency medical insurance, lodging, and food only. The daily maintenance allowance is adequate for meals and incidental expenses and will be the only direct financial support provided to the Fellow.


IV. Health and InsuranceIt is a requirement before arrival in the United States that every participant has a physical examination and be determined to be in good health. Proof of medical fitness is required before participant will be allowed to travel to the United States as a WSU CGIAR Borlaug Fellow.

The insurance provided to the participant while in the United States will cover only emergency medical care and DOES NOT cover treatment of pre-existing conditions, prescriptions, dental, or optical treatment. In addition, the participant must pay the first US $500 of the total cost in medical expenses for each occurrence. By signing below, the applicant certifies agreement to and understanding that WSU, USDA, and its training providers are not responsible for any costs related to medical care.

V. Debts and ObligationsThe participant will be responsible for all debts and financial obligations incurred while in the United States.

Signature below indicates understanding and agreement to the above terms and conditions.

Applicant Signature Date


Appendix A – Contacting WSU Researchers to Propose a Partnership

Probably the best way to contact a potential WSU partner is to send him or her an email. However, before you email anyone, you should evaluate your web presence. The first thing a potential WSU partner might do if they are interested in collaborating with you is to search your name online. What will they find? Consider creating or updating your LinkedIn account, creating a website (sites.google.com), or updating your current website with details about your professional interests and research.

In your email to a potential partner, you should be sure to:

Introduce yourself and your position; Reference how you found the potential partner (a research paper, colleagues you have in

common, etc.); State your interest in the potential partner’s research; Explain the proposal you are preparing for the fellowship; Explain how you think the WSU partner’s work would contribute to your proposal AND

how your current and/or future work could potentially benefit the U.S. partner; State that you’d like to discuss collaborations further; Include your contact information and your expectation to hear back from the WSU

partner; and Refer your potential research partner to WSU GRE at [email protected] if he or she

has additional questions about the program.



http://sites.google.com/

Appendix B – Letters of Recommendation Guidance

Washington State University (WSU) and the USDA Borlaug Fellowship Program are pleased that you have agreed to serve as a professional reference for this applicant. Please follow the guidance below to complete your 1-2 page letter of recommendation. Specific information to address include the applicant’s:

1) Leadership skills and likelihood he/she will bring back new ideas and implement change

2) Aptitude and experience in their chosen scientific research

3) Relationship to you (capacity and number of years known)

4) Level of institutional support for his/her proposed research area and the connection to his/her institution/department's strategic plan

5) Research connection with improving food security and/or productivity

Letters should be written in English on official letterhead and include your contact information. Please return your letter to the applicant so they may include it in their submission package.


Appendix C – Research Plan Template

Week # Work Subject Explanation Materials neededPre-fellowship

Week 1

Week 2

Week 3

Week 4

Week 5

Week 6

Week 7

Week 8

Week 9

Week 10

Week 12

Post-fellowship / Mentor reciprocal visit


Appendix D – Research Plan Example

General example of how you can structure a fellowship program based on your research topic

Activity Type Purpose Proposed time Work PlanInitial coordination and planning with WSU mentor

Conduct assessment and finalize work plan

0-4 weeks

WSU CGIAR Borlaug Fellowship

Conduct scientific research 8-12 weeks(fellowships can range between 8 to 12 weeks)

Work plan for 8-12 week fellowship program to be provided by participant – part of application

Reciprocal visit by WSU mentor

This is part of research exchange, conducted at the end of fellowship at CGIAR Center. Mentor and Fellow continue to work on Fellow’s research, obstacles, and results.

1-3 weeks* If fellowship is two (2) months long then Mentor’s reciprocal visit can be up to two (2) months at CGIAR Center

To be provided by WSU, but Fellow should express in the work plan the optimal arrangement for their particular research


2019 washington state university cgiar borlaug fellowship ...€¦ · web viewthe reciprocal...

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