African american chemist researcher analyzing genetically modified plant expertise on computer working at gmo plants experiment in biochemistry laboratory. Woman biologist searching genetic muation African american chemist researcher analyzing genetically modified plant expertise on computer working at gmo plants experiment in biochemistry laboratory. Woman biologist searching genetic muation

Strengthening the Scientific Workforce

We prepare today’s scientific workforce to address the food and agriculture challenges of tomorrow.

Pioneering science is only possible with a diverse, creative scientific workforce. Our scientific workforce programs provide unique research opportunities, support young faculty and inspire the next generation of scientists.
We prepare today’s scientific workforce to address the food and agriculture challenges of tomorrow.

Pioneering science is only possible with a diverse, creative scientific workforce. Our scientific workforce programs provide unique research opportunities, support young faculty and inspire the next generation of scientists.

Program Contact

Dr. LaKisha Odom
lodom@foundationfar.org

Development Contact

Shannyn Smith
smith@foundationfar.org

Two scientists analyzing vegetables

Open Opportunity

USDA-FFAR Innovation Challenge

Applications are under review

Prioritizing the Scientific Workforce

Addressing the accelerating and unprecedented global challenges faced by the U.S. food and agriculture system requires a dynamic and highly skilled scientific workforce. Moreover, developing a diverse and inclusive workforce is critical to drive innovation, foster creative solutions and lead pioneering science.

Commitment to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Bringing individuals with perspectives, experiences and backgrounds historically underrepresented in science to food and agriculture research results in more innovative and actionable outputs. We are committed, both internally and externally, to supporting diversity, equity and inclusion. We continue to embed greater diversity, equity and inclusion into our Scientific Workforce programs – both in designing research and training programs as well as in considering how results are used and communicated.

Our scientific workforce programs fill gaps in research, and prepare scientists for a range of potential career paths.

FFAR Fellows Program

The FFAR Fellows Program provides graduate students with professional development, research training and mentorship to advance their careers.

FFAR-OCP Disruptive Fertilizer Technology Fellows Program

This competitive fellowship aims to spur and foster disruptive innovation in the next generation of fertilizer research and development through a research challenge, whereby emerging young scientists in agriculture research can enhance their efforts in fertilizer efficiency research and technology development.

Kirchner Fellowship

The Kirchner Fellowship trains university students each year to evaluate agriculture business investments and gives them discretion over investment decisions for companies solving critical food and agriculture challenges.

National Academy of Sciences Prize in Food & Agriculture Sciences

The NAS Prize in Food and Agriculture Sciences recognizes a mid-career scientist making an extraordinary contribution to food and agriculture research.

Nature-Based Future Challenges

Nature-based solutions leverage the functions of nature to provide solutions to climate change.

New Innovator in Food & Agriculture Research Award

The New Innovator in Food and Agriculture Research Award provides early investment to launch young faculty into successful scientific careers.

Tribal Agriculture Fellowship

The Tribal Agriculture Fellowship supports Native American, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian students pursuing technical, undergraduate and graduate degrees in agriculture and helps preserve and promote the legacy of agriculture in tribal communities.

FFAR Veterinary Student Research Fellowship

The Vet Fellows is a summer fellowship for veterinary students to pursue research on global food security and sustainable animal production.

Scientific Workforce Awarded Grants

FFAR Fellows Program 2024 Cohort

Year Awarded  2024

Location   Raleigh, NC

Matching Funders   North Carolina State University

Achieving Sustainable Groundwater Management Through Innovative Governance & Optimal Agricultural Water Use Under Conflicting Objectives

Year Awarded  2019

FFAR award amount   $259,207

Total award amount   $518,413

Location   Blacksburg, VA

Matching Funders   Kansas State University 

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The Latest

Insights

Our Insights highlight unique perspectives from across the food and agriculture community.

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Entrepreneur Attributes Kirchner HBCU Fellowship to Career Success

Kwame Terra

Kwame Terra MPH

Kirchner Fellowship HBCU 2021 Cohort

Building Diversity & Inclusion in the Agriculture Technology Venture Capital Industry

LaKisha Odom, Ph.D.

Scientific Program Director Sustaining Vibrant Agroecosystems

News

The latest news and updates from FFAR.

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FFAR and North Carolina State Announce 2024 FFAR Fellows

Breakthroughs

Tools, technologies and strategies from the research we fund.

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Loyalty Shopper Card Intervention Creates Behavior Change

Breakthrough for Individually-targeted incentives, diet quality and health outcomes among adults

Developing an Extensive Database of US Groundwater Wells

Breakthrough for Achieving Sustainable Groundwater Management Through Innovative Governance & Optimal Agricultural Water Use Under Conflicting Objectives

Want to do more to support our pioneering research?