The Borlaug Fellows Program offers training and collaborative research opportunities in international agricultural science, leadership and policy to improve plant and animal health in Honduras. Each Fellow will work one-on-one with a mentor who will coordinate the Fellow’s training and visit the Fellow's home institution after completion of the training.

The 2008 Borlaug Fellows Program is administered by the United States Department of Agriculture Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS).

The application deadline for the 2008 Borlaug Fellows Program for Honduras is May 23, 2008.

Objectives

• Provide entry-level agricultural research scientists, faculty and policymakers with one-on-one training opportunities in the fields of agricultural research (see targeted research areas below);
• Provide scientists, faculty and policymakers with practical experience and exposure to new technologies that can enhance their own research endeavors;
• Foster increased collaboration and networking to improve agricultural productivity;
• Facilitate the transfer of new science and agricultural technologies to strengthen agricultural practices;
• Address obstacles to the adoption of technology such as ineffectual policies and regulations.

Targeted Research Areas: Plant Health, Animal Health and Food Safety

Specific research topics within the plant health, animal health and food safety fields may include:
• Crop improvement using biotechnology
• Research on pest-pathogen diagnosis as part of the plant health system
• Pest and disease management
• Risk Assessment of food-borne pathogens, contaminants or reduced risk pesticides

Length of Fellowships

Fellowships are generally for 4 to 6 weeks but can be slightly longer if merited by the research topic.

Eligibility Requirements

Candidates will be evaluated, interviewed, and selected based on the following criteria:
• Citizen of Honduras;
• Good working knowledge of the English language;
• Minimum Masters degree with 3 years of practical experience or working toward Masters degree with 5 years experience;
• Early stage in their professional career;
• Experience and focus in plant health, animal health or food safety research;
• Currently employed at a research institution with the intent to continue working in their home country for a minimum of two years following their return from the United States.

Application Requirements

Eligible candidates are invited to submit the complete application including the following attachments no later than May 23, 2008.
• Application form
• One page program proposal
• Signed approval from the applicant’s home institution
• Two letters of recommendation
• Official copy of transcript of college degrees
• Copy of passport identification page
• Two passport sized photos

For questions or to submit an application, please contact:

Erika Sanchez
Agricultural Assistant
United States Department of Agriculture
Office of Agricultural Affairs
U.S. Embassy Tegucigalpa
Email: Erika.Sanchez@fas.usda.gov
Tel: (504) 236-9320 x4354

For additional information, please contact:

USDA/FAS Coordinators for the Borlaug Fellows Program for Honduras:
Ms. Lisa Wendel - lisa.wendel@fas.usda.gov and Mr. Abiola Adeyemi - abiola.adeyemi@fas.usda.gov

Or visit our web site: http://www.fas.usda.gov/icd/borlaug/borlaug.htm