Guidelines for Applicants
Agricultural Science Association Fellowship 2021

Eligibility Criteria:
- Applicants must hold Full membership of ASA on 04/01/21.
- Applicants should at a minimum hold 5 years’ experience in the Irish agri-food industry post award of their bachelor’s degree.
- Applicants should have strong communications skills both oral and written.
- Applicants should have experience relating to their selected thematic study area.
Application process:
- Applications are sought under one of the following identified themes:
Thematic Area A: Sustainable Agriculture (including greenhouse gas emissions, biodiversity and water quality)
Thematic Area B: Soil science & carbon sequestration
Thematic Area C: Food for Health
Thematic Area D: Agriculture & Food Economics
- Applicants must submit a proposal (max 1,000 words) detailing their chosen theme and topic of study. The proposal must include the associated schedule of events/interactions as well as their estimated budgetary cost. Detail should be provided under the following headings:
- Professional Development Plan to include study proposal, schedule and proposed timeline of learning/investigation as well as key outputs and deliverables
- Development of Communication skills and social media profile of Fellow
- Subsistence/travel budget
- Other areas of focus to include benefit to ASA and the Agri-Food Industry of appointing a Fellow in the chosen area of study
- Applicants must submit a two-minute video detailing why they are seeking appointment as the ASA Fellow 2021.
- Final approval/allocation of fellowship funds is at the discretion of the ASA Fellowship Committee.
- Applicants must have consent from their employer (if employed) to devote the necessary time to the Fellowship process (approx. 6 weeks envisaged with concentrated period during spring 2021).
- The ASA Fellowship Committee will continue to monitor the implications of Covid-19. Amendments to the Fellowship program may be required depending on National Health Guidelines.
Applicants must submit their completed application form and associated video by 5pm January 4th, 2021 to fellowship@asaireland.ie
Selection Process:
- Applicants may be shortlisted for interview based on elements of their application form and/or their associated video.
- Shortlisted applicants will be invited for interview in January 2021 with the successful ASA Fellow 2021 announced in late January 2021.
- The Fellowship interview board’s decision will be final and will not be open to appeal.
Assisting the fellow:
The ASA Fellowship Committee will if necessary assist the ASA Fellow to develop their study proposal.
A proportion of the ASA Fellowship should be devoted to enhancing the ASA Fellow’s communication skills. The ASA Fellow will have the discretion to select the company/person that will provide this communication training.
Reporting:
During and subsequent to the study period, the ASA Fellow will be required to report on progress to the ASA Fellowship Committee within agreed timescales.
Key Deliverables:
- ASA Fellow 2021 will present their research findings and recommendations at ASA Conference 2021.
- ASA Fellow 2021 will produce an Insights video detailing their ASA Fellowship journey (3 min max).
- ASA Fellow will serve as an Ambassador for ASA and the wider Agri–Food Industry.
- ASA Fellow will have strong communications skills and will be expected to participate in national and international media commentary and scientifically informed discussion and written communication.
- ASA Fellow will demonstrate a strong social media profile with regular updates and insights to the Fellowship process.