Guidelines for Applicants

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.

Download Guidelines Here