Runge Promotes Scholars' Program in South America
Dr. Ed Runge, director of the Monsanto Beachell-Borlaug International Scholars Program, is traveling to countries throughout South America, July 27 – Aug. 15, to promote the program.
The Monsanto Beachell-Borlaug International Scholars Program seeks to improve production in rice and wheat by identifying and supporting students interested in pursuing a Ph.D. in rice and wheat plant breeding.
The program is named for the accomplishments of Drs. Henry Beachell and Norman Borlaug, who pioneered plant breeding and research in rice and wheat. Monsanto has committed $10 million to fund the scholars program, and Texas AgriLife Research, an agency of the Texas A&M University System, is administering it over the next five years.
This year, 48 people applied for the doctorate scholarship, and 12 were selected. However, there was no representation from Brazil. Two of the 12 finalists are from Latin America—one is from Argentina, the other is from Colombia.
According to Correio do Povo, while speaking at the Instituto Rio Grandense do Arroz (IRGA) (Rice Institute of Rio Grande do Sul State) in Cachoeirinha, Brazil, on July 27, Runge said he expects Rio Grande do Sul to increase its participation in the program.
The Monsanto Beachell-Borlaug International Scholars Program is open to students interested in pursuing a PhD in rice or wheat plant breeding. Applications are reviewed by an independent panel of global judges chaired by Runge. More details are available here.
Interested students can apply for the program November 1, 2009 through February 1, 2010.
