The Vaadia-BARD Postdoctoral Fellowship supports early-career scientists from the U.S. and Israel to conduct advanced agricultural research abroad for 1–2 years. The program funds innovative work in areas including AI and Smart Farming and Regenerative Agriculture, providing up to $64,000 and potential second-year matching. Fellows must show strong academic performance and submit detailed research and mentor documentation.

Overview

The Vaadia-BARD Postdoctoral Fellowship Program develops the next generation of scientific leaders in agricultural technologies and research. It supports postdoctoral scholars from the United States and Israel to train abroad under established mentors, promoting bilateral research partnerships that advance global agricultural innovation.

Program Focus Areas

AI and Smart Farming

This priority area supports projects applying artificial intelligence to:

Precision agriculture
Crop health prediction
Automated farm management
Data-driven optimization of water, fertilizer, and pest control
Enhancing productivity through machine learning and sensor-based systems

Regenerative Agriculture

This theme supports research on:

Soil restoration and carbon sequestration
Biodiversity enhancement
Sustainable crop systems
Circular agriculture models
Farming practices that improve resilience to climate change

Key Fellowship Benefits

Funding Amount: Up to $64,000 total, including travel
Duration: 1–2 years
Second Year: Possible with host lab matching funds
Research Location: Host country must be opposite the applicant’s country of Ph.D.
Goal: Develop cross-border scientific collaboration and leadership
Fields: Agricultural sciences, environmental sciences, food systems, agricultural technology, AI in agriculture, soil science, crop science

Who Is Eligible?

Applicants must meet all of the following criteria:

Citizen of the United States or Israel
Ph.D. completed within the past 3 years in their home country
Dual citizens must conduct research in the opposite country where their Ph.D. was awarded
Must not hold another fellowship concurrently in the host country
May not submit a BARD research proposal (as PI or Co-PI in the host country) for one year after completing the fellowship
Must secure one mentor and one host institution (only one allowed)
Mentor cannot be on sabbatical

Mentor Requirements

The mentor must demonstrate:

Strong publication record
History of external grant funding
Experience supervising graduate/postdoctoral researchers
Contributions to the broader scientific community
Capacity to provide high-quality scientific training

Why This Fellowship Matters

This program strengthens agricultural science by:

Advancing innovation in sustainability and AI
Expanding global research collaboration
Training future leaders for universities and research institutes
Promoting U.S.–Israel scientific excellence
Developing new technologies for climate resilience and food security

How to Apply: Step-by-Step

1. Prepare All Required Documents

Applicants must submit a complete application package that includes:

Curriculum vitae (CV)
List of publications
Official academic transcripts
Career statement and long-term goals
Mentor CV
Mentor’s statement describing lab strengths and commitment
Signed signature page
Full research proposal

2. Write a Strong Research Proposal

Your proposal must clearly include:

Two-year research concept
Detailed first-year plan
Hypotheses and scientific rationale
Innovative aspects of the project
Methods and experimental design
Feasibility and timeline
Relevance to agriculture, environment, or sustainability

3. Submit Application Through BARD System

All documents must be uploaded in the required format
Incomplete applications are not considered
Only one mentor and host institution may be listed

4. Evaluation Process

Applications are assessed by:

BARD Technical Advisory Committee
Executive Director
Evaluation criteria include:
Applicant’s scientific achievements
Mentor’s credentials and training capacity
Relevance and quality of the proposed research
Potential agricultural or environmental impact

5. Award and Funding Process

Awards are paid directly to the fellow
Funds follow a scheduled disbursement plan
Second-year support requires:
- Satisfactory first-year scientific progress report
- Written confirmation of matching funds from host lab

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Submitting incomplete documentation
Listing more than one mentor or institution
Weak or unfocused research objectives
Proposing work unrelated to agriculture or environment
Omitting innovative aspects and impact relevance
Failing to demonstrate academic excellence
Overly ambitious research timelines

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I apply if I completed my Ph.D. more than three years ago?

No. The program is strictly limited to those who finished within the last three years.

2. Are dual citizens eligible?

Yes, but they must conduct their research in the country opposite where they earned their Ph.D.

3. Can I hold another fellowship at the same time?

No. Concurrent fellowships in the host country are not allowed.

4. What is the maximum fellowship duration?

Up to two years, with the second year dependent on matching funds and performance.

5. Can I propose any research topic?

No. The topic must be relevant to agriculture, environmental systems, or agricultural technology.

6. Does BARD fund laboratory expenses?

Funding is paid to the fellow; additional research costs are typically covered by the host lab or other grants.

7. When do I need to submit reports?

A scientific progress report is required after year one, and a final scientific report is required at the end.

Conclusion

The Vaadia-BARD Postdoctoral Fellowship Program provides emerging researchers from the U.S. and Israel with a powerful platform to build careers in agriculture, AI-driven farming, and sustainability science. Through high-level mentorship, international collaboration, and focused financial support, the program equips young scientists to become leaders shaping the future of global agricultural innovation.