Richmond, BC – An eight-day gathering of 116 Nuffield Scholars from 16 countries is taking place in Richmond, BC, March 11-18. The Nuffield International Contemporary Scholars Conference (CSC) is the kick-off event for 2023 scholars where they meet each other, develop their foundations in Nuffield, get a glimpse of Canadian agriculture, and hear speakers from around the world. From there they will each set off on their self-directed
travel-study to research a topic of their choosing related to modern agriculture.
“It’s not just an opportunity, but a journey of a lifetime,” says Blake Vince, Nuffield Canada Chair. “In 24 months on a Nuffield scholarship, you will gain more expertise and build more global networks than what takes most people a lifetime to achieve. From that experience, you become an asset not only to your own business but also to your industry and beyond.”
Under the theme Carbon Neutral 2050: Challenges and Opportunities the CSC is an opportunity for scholars to learn and share the Nuffield values of humility, integrity, reciprocity, respect, diversity, continuous learning, and open-mindedness as they consider the impact climate change will have on the future of agriculture.
CSC highlights have included presentations from Aiden Connelly, Global Agri-Tech Chair, on the future of agriculture; Beverly Flatt, Global Farmer Advocacy and Activation representative for Bayer, on connecting with consumers to simplify complex food production issues; and Jess Bunchek, Plant Scientist at the Kennedy Space Center, on perfecting vertical agriculture in space – a great example of how innovative ideas become reality.
“A big take-away for me has been to connect with diverse thought leaders from different parts of the globe all with the common goal of producing food more sustainably,” says Craig Lester, one of five 2023 Nuffield Canada Scholars. “It has reinforced the importance of being open-minded and to continuously learn as I carry out my travels and research on how to build on our connection with media to help further the discussions around food
production practices moving into the future.”
Nuffield Canada scholarship recipients can come from all areas of primary production including food, fibre, health care, biofuels, forestry, aquaculture, and fisheries. Recipients can come from any part of agriculture, from primary production to value added processing to governance or communications. They can be involved in any aspect of the industry including as owners, managers, employees, administrators, or bureaucrats, and all
industry philosophies are welcome including commercial, organic, cottage, medicinal, Indigenous, Halal and others.
Scholars are required to do a minimum of 10 weeks of travel study within 24 months to examine and research a topic or issue of their choosing that is relevant to modern production. Each scholar then prepares a written report of their research findings, conclusions, and recommendations, then presents a summary to the Nuffield Board, with peers, sponsors, and industry leaders in attendance.
Nuffield Canada will be accepting scholar applications from April 1 through June 30 for the 2024 scholar cohort. Applications and more information can be found at www.nuffield.ca.
Nuffield Canada, a registered Canadian charity, is over 130 alumni strong. As part of a larger international community, Nuffield countries include Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, France, Germany, Ireland, Japan, Kenya, Netherlands, New Zealand, South Africa, United Kingdom, United States of America, and Zimbabwe. Scholar recipients instantly become members of the 1900 global Nuffield alumni network, which hosts and supports traveling scholars.
For more information contact:
Theresa Whalen, Executive Director, Nuffield Canada (613) 325-7321 exec.director@nuffield.ca