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Call for Applications for the Inaugural Cohort of the GROW Fellowship

AGRI-FOOD SYSTEMS, CULTURE AND SOCIETY
Due Date: 24/07/2026

The Call for Applications for the GROW Fellowship: Gender Responsive Research for Optimized Women-led Breeding Systems is now open. Targeting women breeders in Africa, the GROW Fellowship seeks to contribute to more gender-responsive crop improvement systems by strengthening the leadership pipeline of women professionals working in plant breeding and related fields. 

The immersive non-residential Fellowship seeks to accelerate the leadership, visibility, and career advancement of women breeders by strengthening their capacity to lead gender-responsive breeding research, influence scientific and policy agendas, and become recognized leaders driving crop and livestock improvement efforts on the continent. 

The Fellowship targets African women breeders who are actively engaged in crop improvement research and development. Participants will be drawn from universities, national agricultural research systems (NARES), the private sector, and other institutions involved in crop breeding. 

Who Should Apply? 

The Program seeks applications from women professionals who: 

  • Are citizens of any African country; 
  • Hold at least a Master’s degree in plant or livestock breeding and actively engaged and practicing in this field; 
  • Have at least 5 years of experience in crop or livestock improvement research; 
  • Are affiliated with universities, national agricultural research institutions, private companies or other organizations involved in crop improvement; 
  • Are available and committed to participating fully in all Fellowship activities offered over a two-year period; 
  • Are not currently participating in other AWARD Fellowships. 

Fellowship Activities 

Successful applicants will participate in a series of face-to-face and virtual activities, including: 

  • Leadership and negotiation skills training; 
  • Structured mentoring program; 
  • Knowledge forums and networking opportunities; 
  • Peer learning sessions in a growing network of women professionals in crop improvement and agricultural research. 

How to submit your application  

Applications must be submitted strictly via this online portal. Apply Here 

Applications must be submitted no later than July 24, 2026, at 23:59 East Africa Time (GMT+3). 

Applications will NOT be accepted after this deadline. 

Applicants are encouraged to carefully review the application guidelines for detailed information on eligibility requirements and the application process. 

The GROW Fellowship is part of the Gender Responsive and Women Led Research and Development Program funded by the Gates Foundation and implemented by African Women in Agricultural Research and Development (AWARD) in partnership with the Gender-Responsive Researchers Equipped for Agricultural Transformation (GREAT), Makerere University, and Cornell University. 

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