Thank you for your inquiry regarding the Borlaug LEAP fellowships.  All awards have been distributed for 2009 and we are not accepting applications at this time.  Future Requests for Applications and application forms will be posted at a later date in 2010.

A complete application will include the following documents:

1. The application form completed in full, including supplemental application from US and CGIAR mentors.
2. A 3000-word essay on given topics
3. Three recommendations covering topics provided, one each from a:
   • US faculty member from a graduate-level institution
   • CGIAR scientist mentor
   • Developing country university faculty member or national agriculture research center scientist.
4. One passport size photograph
5. Budget and Budget Justification
6. An electronic copy of the entire application package on CD or disk.
7. Proof of enrollment in a PhD or MS program.
   

Additionally, applicants for the limited release RFA focused on CRSPs must include:

8. A letter of recommendation from the CRSP Director

The complete application package should be submitted to:

Borlaug Fellowship LEAP Program (2754)
University of California, Davis
258 Hunt Hall
Davis, CA 95616
USA

Please note that faxed applications and incomplete applications will not be reviewed. All parts of the application must be submitted as a single package.

If an applicant is selected as a finalist, he/she will need to provide:

1. Copies of college transcripts and TOEFL score
2. A photocopy of the front page of your passport (containing name, passport number, biographical information, picture, etc.). If the applicant is in the US, please include a copy of your visa as well.
3. Institutional Certification of Support

The application

The application form is available for download at the web site or by request at:

Borlaug Fellowship LEAP Program (2754)
University of California, Davis
258 Hunt Hall
Davis, CA 95616

Email contact: BorlaugLEAP@ucdavis.edu

The application must be:

• completed either on a computer or with a typewriter. Handwritten applications will not be reviewed.
• completed in full
• signed with an original signature. Electronic signatures are permissible.

The Essay (3000-word limit)

The 3000-word essay is a critical component of the application packet. Students should take great care in developing their essay and address all four selection criteria (see above). The essay is divided into three topics, each limited to 1000-words. The topics are:

• Scientific Background and Thesis Research Plans (1000 word limit). Provide an essay on your scientific background and thesis research plans and the importance and impact of your research.
• Vision Statement (1000 word limit). Provide an essay on your vision for agriculture-led growth in your home country, the role of science and technology in achieving this vision, and how you will apply the knowledge and experience gained from the fellowship to achieve that vision.
• Plan of Activity (1000 word limit). Describe a clear plan of activity at the CGIAR or US university, what will be achieved and how the research is integrated with, and enhances your planned thesis research. Also, provide a description of and rationale for the linkages between the US or developing country university faculty, CGIAR scientist and the student and the role of the mentorship in the student's thesis research.

Recommendations

Recommendations are required, one from the US faculty mentor, one from the CGIAR scientist mentor and one from a developing country university faculty member or national agricultural research center scientist. It is important that the recommendations address the topics below.

The letters from the mentors should include:

• An assessment of the applicant's character, leadership potential, creativity, communication skills, and ability to work across disciplines.
• An assessment of the student's academic and professional potential.
• A description of the mentor's role in the student's research work.

The letter from the developing country university faculty member or national agricultural research center scientist should include:

• An assessment of the relevance of the student's research to the development priorities of the country.

Supplemental Applications from CGIAR and US University Mentors

Both the CGIAR and US University mentors must complete the supplemental application. The supplemental applications must be:

• completed either on a computer or with a typewriter. Handwritten applications will not be reviewed.
• completed in full
• signed with an original signature. Electronic signatures are permissible.

Click here to download the CGIAR Mentor Supplemental Application

Click here to download the US Mentor Supplemental Application

Passport Photo

A single passport type photo must be attached to the first page of the application in the indicated box. The photo should be approximately 4 x 5 cm (1 1/2 x 2 inches). The following guidelines should be followed:

• the photo background should be plain
• the head should be position directly facing the camera
• eyes should be open and looking at the camera

Budget & Budget Justification

The application package must include a budget, completed on the form provided. Detailed instructions are provided on the first worksheet of the budget form. No institutional overhead or indirect costs are allowed on this award.

Each budget must be accompanied by a budget justification included on the budget spreadsheet. The budget justification is a detailed narrative description and explanation of the budget, identifying how costs were derived.

Leveraged Funding

The application package must include a description of leveraged funding, completed on the form provided. Detailed instructions are provided on the first worksheet of the budget form. The Leveraged Funding form is the third worksheet in the file. The top portion of the Leveraged Funding form is for reporting cash or grant funds from outside sources and the bottom portion for reporting in-kind support.

When To Apply

Applications are welcome throughout the year for the ongoing RFA targeting sub-Saharan Africa. However, reviews are conducted once a year and the next administrative deadline for that review is:

March 11, 2009

Applications for the limited release RFA focused on CRSPs are due:

March 11, 2009

Applications received by the 14th of March will be reviewed at the next Selection Committee meeting. Finalists will be notified in May and awards will be announced in June. Students should plan to begin their fellowship within one year of notification.