Crawford Fund Conference Scholarship

The Crawford Fund is a not-for-profit organisation that raises awareness of the benefits to Australia and developing countries of Australia’s engagement in international agricultural research and development; supports training programs for developing country scientists and farmers, drawing on Australian experience, and encourages and supports young Australians in their careers, studies and volunteering in agriculture for development.

Our conference scholar program has been running since 2010. We will once again give up to 50 young people the opportunity to attend Australia’s key food security conference, interact and learn from renowned speakers, and network and be mentored by key researchers, academics and policy makers involved in food and nutrition security.

The fun and informative activities are developed in partnership with young and ‘old’ agricultural scientists and Researchers in Agriculture for International Development (RAID), a program of the Fund which works to connect, engage and support agricultural researchers in international development.

This year the conference scholar program will run from 11-13 August around our annual conference, titled “Progress and Prospects for Climate-Resilient Agrifood Systems.”

We want our conference to bring national attention to actionable recommendations for policymakers and practitioners to craft strategies that can secure food security while promoting environmental sustainability.

Our scholarships include attendance of the conference and two half days of activities, conference registration fees, reasonable transport, food and accommodation costs.

Travel and accommodation is arranged by the Crawford Fund and accommodation is in group apartments. The awards will be made through the Crawford Fund’s State and Territory programs.

Applicants must be:

• under the age of 35 as at 1 July 2025,
• either a full-time student at a university, or
• working in ag science or an allied industry, and
• able to demonstrate an interest in international agricultural development.

States (except SA and QLD) require applicants to be Australian citizens or permanent residents and SA has a preference for citizens or permanent residents. All scholarships are subject to a suitable candidate being identified.  

Conference scholars agree to make a presentation at a relevant academic, research or other institute or group; work to enhance interest amongst their peers in international agricultural research; and provide a 500-word article outlining how they benefited from the conference and what they considered to be the highlights. These articles will be included in the Crawford Fund newsletter, social media channels and website.