Wednesday, September 07, 2011

PhD Program “Global Food Security“ at the University of Hohenheim, Germany

Excellence scholarships for outstanding graduates from developing countries to participate in 36-month PhD Program "Global Food Security" at the University of Hohenheim, Germany
The Food Security Center (FSC) at the University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany is one of the five excellence centers of the program "exceed – Higher Education Excellence in Development Cooperation". The center is supported by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) with funding from the Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) of Germany. Main objective of FSC is to make effective and innovative scientific contributions in research, teaching, and policy advice to eradicate hunger and achieve food security in collaboration with partner research and education organizations in Africa, Asia, and Latin America and national and international development and research organizations. Thematically, FSC's activities deal with issues of sustainable food availability, food access, food use, and food utilization.
FSC is currently seeking applications for 10 excellence scholarships to be awarded to PhD students from developing countries (as per the OECD DAC list) for a period of 36 months, beginning September 01, 2012 (with one month German language course). The Center aims at attracting outstanding PhD students that are pursuing a career in academia or development collaboration. The scholarship aims at increasing the previously gained scientific knowledge and skills of scholars relevant to food security related issues. The successful candidates will receive scholarships for participating in the PhD program "Global Food Security" to conduct their doctorates.
Scholarship Provisions
The scholarship is given for a stay at the University of Hohenheim in Stuttgart, Germany. The monthly grant is EUR 1,000 (for the time in Germany, EUR 500 for the time of the field research). In addition, FSC pays for traveling to/from Hohenheim. Health insurance and other costs must be paid for from the stipend.
Eligibility Criteria
-        Be a national of a developing country according to OECD DAC list.
-        Outstandingly qualified university graduates with MSc degree and specialization in development-oriented agricultural sciences or related disciplines (incl. natural sciences as well as social sciences preferably with a focus related to food security issues);
-        Interested in an interdisciplinary and international education in food security relevant issues;
-        Able to complete the doctorate within three years.
-        Latest academic degree completed no more than 6 years prior to start of scholarship;
-        Indication for return to his/her home country and institute;
-        Outstanding study performance: excellent or very good Master's degree or equivalent with a grade of A (exceptions B);
-        Track record of knowledge in the proposed field of study;
-        Excellent proficiency in oral and written English (TOEFL with a minimum of 213 points computer based, 550 points paper based, 79 points internet based or equivalent is precondition);
Last date for submission of applications is October 26, 2011
For more information and details, you can visit this link.