NUFFIELD Scholarships are globally recognised , and often facilitate personal career development , as well as improvements in business and the agricultural industry , providing a truly life-changing opportunity .

Scholarships are funded by a raft of generous sponsors who provide successful candidates with a bursary of £ 7,000 to cover travel and subsistence for a minimum of eight weeks ’ worth of global research .

2016 Scholar , Richard Hinchliffe explains that his Scholarship has greatly broadened his agricultural knowledge and helped him to successfully evolve his farming practices .

“ I was awarded my Scholarship in 2015 , on the topic of herbicide

resistant weeds , after a long battle with blackgrass on my own farm in Yorkshire . Since then , my research has helped the farm to become blackgrass free for the first time in 17 years ,” says Richard .

“ During the 18-month study period I travelled to the USA , Australia and Argentina to investigate how other farmers and agronomists

dealt with the challenge I was facing .

“ I had the opportunity to see how farmers reacted to export quotas and crop tariffs , which led to over 60 % of cropping land being placed into soybean production , and rapid development of herbicide resistance in many weed species ,” he says .

Upon his return , Richard prepared an extensive report on his findings , and presented them to the industry at the annual Nuffield conference last November .

“ Undertaking a Nuffield Scholarship has been one of the best professional decisions I ’ ve ever made . It ’ s given me a totally different outlook on the industry , expanded my contacts on a global scale and given me friends for life .

“ I ’ d encourage anyone that ’ s motivated and passionate about their industry to rise to the challenge and apply for a Scholarship . You won ’ t regret it ,” adds Richard .

Nuffield director , Mike Vacher , explains that he is looking forward to receiving applications from forward thinking individuals that are keen to broaden their horizons .

“ The application deadline isn ’ t until 31 July 2018 , but it ’ s important to start considering your submission as soon as possible . We can put you in touch with Scholars such as Richard , who will provide first hand advice and application tips .”

A Scholarship does not require academic qualifications , but applicants must be aged between 22 and 45 years old , be well

established in their career , and be at least three years post tertiary education .

To find out more and apply for a Nuffield Scholarship , please visit www . nuffieldscholar . org or contact the Nuffield Trust on 01460 234012 .