Rising stars of AgriFood sought for fully funded fellowships

A new Fellowship scheme for AgriFood ‘rising stars’ at the University of Reading is seeking the most promising upcoming researchers to help change the future of food and farming.

The AgriFood ‘Rising Star’ Fellowship scheme builds on the University’s world-class reputation for research leadership in agriculture, food and environmental sciences.

Professor Carol Wagstaff, Research Dean for Agriculture, Food & Health at the University of Reading said: “In the face of pressing national and global challenges related to access to sustainable diets, diet-related diseases, climate change impacts on food production, and the need to enhance ecosystem biodiversity influencing our food system, these Fellowships have never been more important.”

The Fellowships, funded by the National Institute for Research into Dairying (NIRD) Trust, aim to attract rising stars who can advance their field of research. Two Fellows will be appointed in the first round in Spring 2024 (deadline 18 March) followed by at least two more in 2025/26.

The Fellows will have the potential to make groundbreaking discoveries, build and lead interdisciplinary teams, and find research connections across disciplines at and beyond the University of Reading.

The scheme builds on Reading’s world-leading position at the centre of food and farming research. Reading is ranked first in the UK and sixteenth in the world for Agriculture and Forestry (QS World Ranking by Subject, 2023). Reading’s research themes align closely with the UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Open to all disciplines

Two priority research areas have been identified for the first cohort: addressing the interactions between a changing climate and food systems, and innovative food processing of novel ingredients from protein and oil crops – but applications are welcome from all disciplines that can contribute to transformative research relevant to agriculture and food challenges.

The scheme is part of NIRD Trust’s annual investment of up to £2 million into agriculture and food research. The University of Reading is the beneficiary of the NIRD Trust Fund, and Fellows will be granted a generous support package to aid their development at Reading.

Professor Wagstaff said: “These new Fellowships will nurture the next generation of research leaders who have the potential to contribute to our mission to ensure that the world produces healthy food in a sustainable way.

“With the global population estimated to reach 10 billion by 2050, food security and supporting equitable access to nutritious diets is vital. At the same time, our food systems are threatened by climate change impacts, diet-related diseases, and biodiversity loss. The University of Reading is committed to supporting innovative solutions to tackle these interconnected challenges and ensure resilient, sustainable food systems for the future.

“By investing in emerging research talent, we hope to drive real progress in securing safe, healthy diets for all, while protecting our natural resources and environment.”

Applications are open for the AgriFood ‘Rising Star’ Fellowship scheme until Monday 18 March 2024. Further information and how to apply can be found at the University of Reading jobs page.