STARS Fellowship 2025: Emerging Researchers in Agriculture and Rural Development.
Background on the 2025 STARS Fellowship Program
Cornell University, in partnership with the Center for Global Development, IICA, The World Bank, and PEP, is pleased to announce the 2025 STARS Fellowship Program. This program aims to support early-career researchers. These researchers will focus on key issues in agriculture and rural development. The initiative encourages innovative solutions to current challenges in these fields.
Overview of the 2025 STARS Fellowship Program
The STARS Fellowship allows early-career researchers to study factors affecting productivity and income growth in agriculture and rural areas.
Duration: 12 months
Research Focus: Researchers can explore agricultural productivity, risk management, food security, and gender inclusion in rural settings.
Eligibility: This opportunity is open to early-career researchers, including final-year Ph.D. students and those who completed their Ph.D. since 2019.
About STARS (Structural Transformation of Agriculture and Rural Spaces)
The Acronym STARS stands for STAARS is the acronym for Structural Transformation of African Agriculture and Rural Spaces.
STAARS is a collaborative research project focused on agriculture in Africa. It includes several experienced partners. For example, the African Development Bank (AfDB) contributes through its Macroeconomics Policy, Forecasting, and Research Division (ECMR), led by the Chief Economist. Furthermore, the project involves the World Bank and the Partnership for Economic Policy. In addition, the African Economic Research Consortium and Cornell University in the United States also participate in this initiative. Overall, these collaborations enhance the project’s impact on agriculture in the region.
To Learn More About the Structural Transformation of Agriculture and Rural Spaces
Research Themes
The fellowship invites researchers to apply, focusing on several key themes:
- Agricultural Inputs & Technological Change: Researchers will analyze how input use and technological innovation impact productivity growth in agriculture.
- Rural Markets & Urban Links: This theme examines the performance of rural factor and product markets. It also looks at their connections to urban markets.
- Agri-food Systems & Value Chains: Researchers will explore how agri-food systems and value chains perform and evolve over time.
- Food Security & Nutrition: This area investigates the connections between food security, nutrition, health, and education.
- Poverty, Risk Management, & Resilience: Researchers will study the dynamics of poverty. They will also focus on effective risk management strategies and building resilience against economic shocks.
- Sustainable Natural Resource Management: This research focuses on sustainable practices in managing natural resources.
- Gender & Marginalized Groups: Finally, the fellowship addresses gender disparities and promotes the inclusion of marginalized groups in agriculture and rural economies.
The STARS Fellowship Program Benefits and Support
The STARS Fellowship provides generous funding and support for fellows, which includes:
- Travel and Participation Funding: This covers travel expenses for a three-week visit to Cornell University and participation in activities at the mentor’s home institution.
- Honorarium: Fellows receive a modest honorarium to assist them throughout their fellowship year.
- Professional Development: Participants gain access to training and networking opportunities that enhance their professional skills and career prospects.
Application Requirements
To apply for the 2025 STARS Fellowship program, applicants must submit the following materials:
- Research Proposal (Maximum 2,500 words): A detailed proposal that outlines the intended research on one or more of the key fellowship themes.
- Current Curriculum Vitae (CV): An updated resume that details academic and professional experience.
- Letter of Support: A letter of endorsement from the applicant’s current supervisor.
- Photocopy of Passport: A photocopy of the applicant’s passport biodata page and, if applicable, any current U.S. visa.
Application Deadline for the 2025 STARS Fellowship Program
Submission Deadline: January 17, 2025, at 11:59 PM EST.
Take this chance to contribute to important research on agriculture, rural development, and sustainability!
Steps to Apply
For detailed information about the application process, research themes, and fellowship benefits, visit the official STARS Fellowship website. You can submit your application there.
