Wheat and Rice Research Scholars Program

Anne Rippke, Editorial Projects Editor

Students interested in pursuing graduate education in agricultural sciences, dealing with seed and pant development, should consider the Beachell-Borlaug International ScholarsProgram as a means of financial support.

The Beachell-Borlaug International ScholarsProgramis a 5-year $10 million dollar program, funded by Monsanto, focused on the education of students towards improving wheat and rice production globally. The program honors the accomplishments of Henry Beachell and Norman Borlaug, who pioneered plant breeding and research in rice and wheat. According to Ted Crosbie,Monsanto vice president global plant breeding, the program is trying to support two crops that haven’t kept up technically like corn.

Monsanto compared the development of corn and soybeans to that of rice and wheat. Due to the lack of advancement in rice and wheat production Ed Runge, chair and director of the program, noted that the population has increased more than crop improvement, which means there are great opportunities for wheat and rice research to benefit developing countries.

According to Crosbie, Monsanto’s financial interest in the students is the best investment in the next generation of scientists. The program puts university students on the career path of working within the public arena globally for wheat and rice production advancements. “Students attending school in a developed economy will train and eventually work in developing institutions,” Crosbie says.

Students apply through support of a professor and their university. Runge and a panel will decide on applicants. The announcement of the first year’s winners is planned to correspond with the World Food Prize held in Des Moines, Iowa, on Oct. 15, 2009. Applications will be accepted until May 31.


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