Texas AgriLife Research, an agency of the Texas A&M University System, and Monsanto Company has called for applications from students interested in pursuing research in wheat or rice plant breeding.
“Applications for Monsanto’s Beachell-Borlaug International Scholars Programme (MBBISP) are being accepted now through February 1, 2013. Funds are available for scholars pursuing a doctorate in wheat or rice plant breeding,” the research agency said in a statement.
Students interested in applying can find more details on Monsanto’s website.
In addition to research funding, scholars will receive access to advanced breeding techniques and technology and participate in field experience in a developing country for one season.
“Every year, the quality of the entries exceeds our expectations,” said program director Ed Runge, Ph.D., Texas A&M University.
The program recognises the importance of rice and wheat as key staple crops in addressing global hunger. It honours the accomplishments of Henry Beachell, and Norman Borlaug, who pioneered plant breeding and research in rice and wheat, respectively, by providing funding support to develop the next generation of scientific leaders, he said.
In total, MBBISP has supported 52 students from 21 different countries since its formation in 2009. India tops the MBBISP list with four out of 14 global scholars in 2012 and also tops overall list with 14 scholars from 2009 till date. This application period marks the program’s fifth year, with a total of $10 million of support by Monsanto.
Successful applicants will focus research on a critical constraint affecting rice or wheat production. Students can complete their Ph.D programme at any university that grants a Ph.D. in rice or wheat breeding, the statement added.