Launched Spring 2022: The NGRA Fellowship! Designed to further the work of aspiring Ph.D. students in grape-related science supporting the NGRA research priorities, the NGRA Fellowship is a competitive award of $30,000 per year for three years, conferred on one student in 2022. In addition to the monetary contribution for student tuition and/or fees, the award includes mentorship, field tours and networking with our Board of Directors throughout the three-year term. It is our hope that, by providing support in the early stages of a promising grape scientist’s career, we’ll spark a relationship that will last a lifetime.
Important dates
- Applications were due by 5 p.m. Pacific Time, Friday, June 3, 2022
- Winner notified/announced in July 2022
Format
The NGRA Fellowship…
- Is a competitive award, with applications solicited nationally
- Requires an interview/presentation/pitch (most likely via Zoom) for up to three selected finalists
- Will be awarded to one Ph.D. student in 2022 (See selection criteria below.)
- Includes a monetary award of $30,000 per year for three years
- Payable to the student’s academic institution on the quarter or semester system, as appropriate
- Institution to waive overhead for fellowship award
- Payable to the student’s academic institution on the quarter or semester system, as appropriate
- Includes an assigned NGRA-member industry mentor
- In addition, NGRA President serves as liaison and primary point of contact
- Will provide at least one day of field visits per year in at least one grape sector
- Ideally, timed in conjunction with an NGRA Board meeting, which student will attend
- Travel/expenses for this activity will be reimbursed (not taken from fellowship), if/as travel is required
Application and selection criteria
Student requirements
- Enrollment at an accredited college or university, pursuing a Ph.D. in viticulture or related field
- By June 2022: Completion of a master’s degree and acceptance in a Ph.D. program
- Grape-related research project identified and defined (See research requirements below)
- Complete application packet, including:
- Completed application
- Letter of application, including intention to pursue a career in grape research, whether in industry or academia
- One page overview of research to be pursued (See research requirements below)
- Letter of recommendation from Ph.D. faculty advisor
- Letter of acceptance into your Ph.D. program
- U.S. residency or study visa
- Demonstrated leadership in campus or community groups a plus
- Demonstrable presentation skills a plus
Research requirements
- Alignment with at least one NGRA research priority, with applicability to at least three of the four grape sectors (wine, juice, raisin and table grapes)
- At least one achievable measurable research outcome by the end of the three-year fellowship term
- Alignment with a new or existing NGRA-initiated project a plus