Unlock your future in the chicken meat industry: Apply now for the 2025 Gary Sansom Scholarship

The prestigious Gary Sansom Scholarship aims to uncover future chicken meat industry leaders and champion important research working to boost the productivity and sustainability of chicken meat production.

After a successful inaugural launch in 2018, and several rounds of scholarships later, applications for the 2025 Gary Sansom Scholarship are now open.

The Gary Sansom Scholarship identifies 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 Chicken Meat Program Manager, Sarika Pandya 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 wants to make a difference in the chicken meat industry,” said Ms Pandya.

“We are looking for the best and brightest people in the industry, those who want to apply their research now for the benefit of the chicken meat industry into the future.”

Rebel Northey: 2024 Gary Sansom Scholarship recipient 

Rebel Northey, a University of New England Master of Science – Animal Science (Poultry Science) student, was awarded the Gary Sansom Scholarship for 2024.

Rebel’s research is focused on sustainability, both globally and on a scale applicable to the Australian poultry industry. They are comparing the differences between a food-waste diet and a commercial diet, and their impacts on chicken growth.

Rebel’s dedication to sustainability and innovative research has earned recognition and support from the Gary Sansom Scholarship.

Rebel shared their experience, “The Gary Sansom Scholarship has been an incredible opportunity for me. It has not only provided financial support but also allowed me to attend industry events and connect with professionals in the field. The adjustments made to accommodate my needs have been greatly appreciated, and I am grateful for the support and understanding shown by the AgriFutures team.”

How to apply for the Scholarship 

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 Gary Sansom Scholarship offers up to $30,000, with funding allocated based on the level of study: $10,000 per year for one year for Honours students, $10,000 per year for two years for Masters students, and $10,000 per year for three years for PhD students. In addition to financial support, scholars receive opportunities to attend poultry industry conferences, an industry supervisor facilitated by AgriFutures Australia for study and career pathway support. The AgriFutures Chicken Meat Program helps scholars connect with industry members and provides networking opportunities throughout the scholarship period.

Find out more information, and apply

Applications for the 2025 Gary Sansom Scholarship close on 31 January 2025.

Read more about Rebel Northey’s research
Read more about previous Scholarship recipients