• Charles Sturt University is offering two scholarships to encourage First Nations scholars to pursue PhDs in the agricultural sector
• The scholarships will support research and entrepreneurialism in native foods and a range of aspects of agriculture

Charles Sturt University has partnered with Agrifutures Australia to support First Nations scholars to pursue PhDs in the agricultural sector through scholarships that encourage innovation in entrepreneurialism.

There are two scholarships available for First Nations students who are commencing a PhD or Master’s degree in the 2022 academic year. The scholarships provide the opportunity to be part of a collaborative project with existing Charles Sturt partnerships, working with First Nations innovators in industry.

The first scholarship will support research related to native foods along the supply chain.

The second scholarship is applicable to a range of aspects of First Nations agriculture. It has a broader scope and can comprise aspects of agriculture such as cool burning, First Nations farm practices, farm business management, agriculture policy and First Nations education. A topic on fostering industry stewardship and building community trust would also be considered.

Emeritus Professor in Agriculture in the Charles Sturt School of Agricultural, Environmental and Veterinary Sciences Jim Pratley said this project has been developed to increase the participation of First Nations people in the agricultural business sector.

"The scholarships are part of the First Nations Agriculture Initiative at Charles Sturt University in Wagga Wagga,” Professor Pratley said.

“The aim is to build capability and encourage better understanding and respect between First Nations peoples and 'western ' agriculture.

“As the scholarships are largely funded by AgriFutures Australia, research topics need to be related to the AgriFutures portfolio.”

First Nations students with a four-year Honours degree or a three-year qualification with research experience in agriculture or science are invited to apply.

“These scholarships are a great opportunity for First Nations people wanting to pursue a business idea or further an existing business with the support of industry experts,” Professor Pratley said.

“The collaborative partnership model will provide them with industry links and contacts as these future entrepreneurs develop their businesses.”

Visit the Charles Sturt website for more information on the AgriFutures Australia Indigenous HDR Scholarship – Native Foods or contact Professor Jim Pratley at jpratley@csu.edu.au for information on the second scholarship that is applicable to a range of agricultural research areas.

Applications close Thursday 30 June 2022.

ENDS