Deadline: 13 July 2020
The Swiss Forum for International Agricultural Research (SFIAR) is seeking applications for an annual Award for graduates and scientists of a Swiss institution who work in agricultural research for development (ARD).
The SFIAR intends to award new, innovative and result oriented research. Recent achievements or milestones can be awarded, however no future plans or project proposals. The thematic scope of the award is broad. Any research that falls within the following definition of ARD given by the European Initiative for Agricultural Research for Development (EIARD) can be submitted:
“ARD is a multi-dimensions research that addresses the agricultural development challenges of developing and emerging countries (DEC). The agricultural domain includes crop production and animal husbandry, agro-forestry, fisheries and aquaculture, agribusiness and related enterprises, animal and human health related issues, as well as the sustainable management of the natural sources on which farming depends and the socio-cultural and bio-diverse landscapes, food systems and ecologies in which it is embedded. ARD provides technological, economic and institutional knowledge and innovations contributing to sustainable development. It encompasses research of a national and international public good character, as well as research that yields private gains.”
The application must cover at least one of the following characteristics:
- Partnership, outreach to the farm level, output and impact;
- Product development (or steps there of);
- Tool or instrument that can be applied in the local context.
The Award ceremony is organized by SFIAR or integrated into an event organized in Switzerland by one or several SFIAR members. The awardee presents his/her project at the event.
Aims
The SFIAR runs the annual SFIAR Award. With this award the SFIAR pursues the following main aims:
- Support relevant agricultural research for development
- Promote knowledge on and visibility of Swiss ARD.
Award Information
The SFIAR Award 2020 is restricted to the following:
- One prize (CHF 5’000) for the best PhD project;
- One prize (CHF 1’000) for the best Master’s thesis.
Eligibility Criteria
Eligible for the SFIAR Award is research that:
- Has been carried out at or in close collaboration with a Swiss institution;
- Has involved partners (institutions and/or individuals) located in developing countries;
- Has been completed preferably no longer than three years ago (for Master’s Thesis Award: master’s thesis submitted preferably not longer than 18 months ago).
Selection Criteria
A selection committee of at least three SFIAR experts will review the submissions (based on the pages research summary only) and select the best proposal. If four or less submissions are received, the committee may decide not to make an award that year. The SFIAR members endorse the recommendation by the selection committee, if they do not have a valid challenge.
The main selection criteria are:
- Research quality;
- Demonstration of potential for development impact;
- Compliance with criteria defined under “Scope”;
- Presentation.
For more information, visit https://www.sfiar.ch/award.htm
