Applications Invited for SFIAR Award 2023

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About the Organization

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' organisations and public agencies, as well as individuals. The goals and objectives of SFIAR are:

• Sharing information between ARD stakeholders in Switzerland
• Promoting the visibility of Swiss ARD
• Playing an advocacy role at policy level
• Serving as a national partner in international initiatives
• Promoting collaboration between actors in Swiss ARD

About the Award

In line with its objectives, the SFIAR runs the annual SFIAR Award. With this award the SFIAR pursues the following main aims:

• support relevant agricultural research for development
• promote knowledge on 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.

ARD is a multi-dimensions research that addresses the agricultural development challenges of developing and emerging countries (DEC). The agricultural domain includes crop production and animal husbandry, agro-forestry, fisheries and aquaculture, agribusiness and related enterprises, animal and human health related issues, as well as the sustainable management of the natural sources on which farming depends and the socio-cultural and bio-diverse landscapes, food systems and ecologies in which it is embedded. ARD provides technological, economic and institutional knowledge and innovations contributing to sustainable development. It encompasses research of a national and international public good character, as well as research that yields private gains.

The Award is offered annually. Based on a recommendation by the Selection Committee the SFIAR may decide that the award for a particular year will be restricted to one category only, i.e. a Master’s thesis or PhD or Post Doc/team1, and that further restrictions may also be applied. The SFIAR Award 2023 is restricted to the following: one prize (CHF 10’000) for the best PostDoc/team project; one prize (CHF 1’000) for the best Master’s thesis.

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.

Eligibility

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.

How to Apply

Applicants have to fill in the attached application form and provide the research summary (maximum 2 pages including illustrations) and the other documents mentioned on the form in English, French or German. Applications that do not meet the formal requirements will not be considered. The deadline for applications is 12 July 2023.

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