FFAR and AAVMC are seeking applications for veterinary student research fellowships

The Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research (FFAR) and the American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC) are seeking applications for FFAR’s Veterinary Student Research Fellowships (FFAR Vet Fellows). This fellowship program supports the development of future veterinary researchers and veterinary student research at the interface of food-animal production.

Veterinary science is critical to solving challenges affecting nutritional security, environmental sustainability, and public health. However, many fellowships available to veterinary students are limited to traditional biomedical research, with limited opportunity to conduct research outside that scope. To ensure students are informed of the numerous opportunities for veterinarians, FFAR and AAVMC established the FFAR Vet Fellows in 2018.

The 3-month fellowship prepares students for multifaceted careers in science and public service. The fellows complete their research with a qualified mentor and present their findings at the next annual Veterinary Scholars Symposium hosted by the AAVMC.

“Veterinary research impacts public health, food safety, animal welfare and the environment,” said Nikki Dutta, interim scientific program director for Advanced Animal Systems for FFAR, in an organizational release. “The FFAR Vet Fellows program better prepares the future veterinary workforce to expand their horizons and conduct audacious research that tackles critical food and agriculture challenges.”

The 2023 FFAR Vet Fellows program is providing a $10,000 stipend for up to 15 students to perform research including, but not limited to agricultural economics; nutritional security and food access; environmental sustainability of agriculture; advanced technologies; zoonotic diseases and pandemic prevention; and antimicrobial stewardship.

This fellowship is open to domestic and international students currently enrolled in a DVM or VMD degree program who are conducting research with a qualified mentor at an AAVMC member institution. Students do not need to have prior research experience, and matching funds are not required for this program. Students from historically underrepresented backgrounds in agriculture are strongly encouraged to apply.

“Collaborating with FFAR to support the Vet Fellows program aligns with AAVMC’s goal of preparing the veterinary workforce for the future through global research programs,” said Andrew T. Maccabe, DVM, JD, MPH, AAVMC chief executive officer, in an organizational release. “Partnerships with organizations such as FFAR support our strategic plan and organizational mission.”

The deadline to submit applications is April 12, 2023. Program directors at colleges of veterinary medicine are not required to submit student nominations, and there is no restriction on the number of applicants per institution. Additional information about this program and the application process is available on the Vet Fellows webpage.

Reference

FFAR and AAVMC open applications for 2023 FFAR veterinary student research fellowship. News release. Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research. March 15, 2023. Accessed March 16, 2023. https://foundationfar.org/news/ffar-aavmc-open-applications-for-2023-ffar-vet-fellows/