The Swiss Forum for International Agricultural Research (SFIAR) offers an annual Award for graduates and scientists of a Swiss institution who work in agricultural research for development.
The Swiss Forum for International Agricultural Research (SFIAR) is an informal multi-stakeholder group of Swiss institutions and private individuals interested in agricultural research for development (ARD).
Members come from research institutions, NGOs, the private sector, farmers’ organizations, public agencies, and individuals. The goals and objectives of SFIAR are:
a) Sharing information between ARD stakeholders in Switzerland
b) Promoting the visibility of Swiss ARD
c) Playing an advocacy role at the policy level
d) Serving as a national partner in international initiatives
e) Promoting collaboration between actors in Swiss ARD
In line with its objectives, the SFIAR runs the annual SFIAR Award. With this award the SFIAR pursues the following main aims:
a) Support relevant agricultural research for the development
b) Promote knowledge of and visibility of Swiss 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.
A selection committee of at least three SFIAR experts will review the submissions (based on the 2 pages research summary only) and select the best proposal. If four or fewer 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:
a) Research quality
b) Demonstration of the potential for development impact
c) Compliance with criteria defined under “Scope”
d) Presentation
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.
Location:
SwitzerlandBenefits
- The best PostDoc/team project wins CHF 10’000, and the best Master thesis CHF 1’000.
- Submission is not complicated.
- The Award may help winners enter into development work, or receive funding.
Eligibilities
Eligible for the SFIAR Award is research that,
- Is within the thematic scope (see ARD definition above)
- Has been completed preferably no longer than three years ago, or is ongoing with recent achievements/milestones (for Master’s Thesis Award: master’s thesis submitted not longer than 24 months ago)
- Has been carried out at or in close collaboration with a Swiss institution
- Has involved partners (institutions and/or individuals) located in developing countries
- Covers at least one of the following characteristics:
a) Partnership, outreach to the farm level, output, and impact
b) Product development (or steps thereof)
c) Tool or instrument that can be applied in the local context
Eligible Regions: Open for All
Application Process
- Applicants must fill in the attached application form and provide the research summary (maximum of 2 pages including illustrations) and the other documents mentioned in the form in English, French, or German.
- Applications that do not meet the formal requirements will not be considered.
Application Deadline: July 12, 2023
Application ClosedOfficial link
