Gary Sansom Scholarship applications open

After a successful inaugural launch in 2018, applications for the 2019 Gary Sansom Scholarship are now open.

The Gary Sansom Scholarship identifies high quality students and, with the support of a generous bursary, allows one successful candidate to foster a career pathway in the chicken meat industry and support their industry-relevant research.

The Scholarship is named in honour of the late Gary Sansom. Mr Sansom was a former AgriFutures™ Chicken Meat Advisory Panel Chair and was the Australian Chicken Meat Federation President.

AgriFutures Australia General Manager, Research and Innovation, Michael Beer said the Scholarship supports Mr Sansom’s vision for the industry – to ensure it is valued and respected by all sectors of the Australian community.

“It’s important that the Scholarship is awarded to someone who is passionate about the chicken meat industry and wants the industry to thrive into the future,” said Mr Beer.

University of Adelaide Honours student Ashlee Morgan was the recipient of the inaugural 2018 Gary Sansom Scholarship. Her research project aims to understand the factors for attracting and retaining youth in the poultry industry, a key focus of the AgriFutures™ Chicken Meat Program.

“Australia’s chicken meat industry offers dynamic career opportunities. My project aims to boost the appeal of the industry – I want young people to get excited when I tell them about my work and see that it is a good career choice,” said Ms Morgan.

“I encourage anyone interested in the chicken meat industry to apply for the Scholarship. It has opened doors for me in terms of career progression. Thanks to the scholarship I was able to attend the 2018 Poultry Information Exchange at the Gold Coast and I’ve been able to connect and learn from a range of inspiring industry stakeholders.”

The Gary Sansom Scholarship is open to Australian citizens and permanent residents undertaking a PhD, Masters, Honours degree or equivalent in an appropriate discipline.

The successful scholar will receive a stipend of up to $35,000 for living expenses and undertake a research project that contributes applied outcomes to the production of chicken meat in Australia. As part of the scholarship, the student will have access to an industry supervisor to support their study and career pathway.

Applications close Thursday, 8 November 2018. The successful applicant will be announced in February 2019 at the Australian Poultry Science Symposium (APSS).

For more information, and to apply, visit www.agrifutures.com.au/people-leadership/scholarships/gary-sansom-scholarship/