The Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research (FFAR) and the American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC) are now accepting applications for the 2025 FFAR Veterinary Student Research Fellowship (Vet Fellows) program. This initiative addresses the urgent need for skilled veterinarians to tackle critical challenges in food security, public health and sustainable agriculture amidst diseases like H5N1 influenza, African swine fever and foot-and-mouth disease.
“This year’s new Vet Fellows program updates offer expanded opportunities for veterinary students to engage in groundbreaking research that addresses critical challenges in global food security and sustainable animal production,” said Nikki Dutta, FFAR scientific program officer.
The fellowship provides veterinary students with resources and mentorship to explore research topics such as climate change, pandemic prevention, agricultural economics and livestock welfare. Students will complete their research under the guidance of a qualified mentor at an AAVMC member institution and present their findings at the annual Veterinary Scholars Symposium.
Key Updates for the 2025 Fellowship
- Eligibility Expansion: Open to domestic and international students enrolled in DVM or VMD programs. Students with advanced degrees (e.g., MS, MPH, or graduate certificates) are now eligible
- Increased Funding: Each fellow will receive $16,000, up from $10,000 in previous years
- New Research Areas: Focus areas now include livestock/production animal welfare, One Health and veterinary occupational health and safety
- Inclusivity: Students from historically underrepresented backgrounds in agriculture are strongly encouraged to apply
The fellowship supports research in:
- Agricultural economics
- Nutritional security and food access
- Environmental sustainability in agriculture
- Advanced technologies
- Zoonotic diseases and pandemic prevention
- Antimicrobial stewardship
- Livestock/production animal welfare
- One Health initiatives
The application period opens January 15 and closes February 26, 2025. Applicants must include a letter of support from a program director or department chair. Detailed guidelines are available in the 2025 Request for Applications (RFA) on the Vet Fellows webpage.
"Partnering with FFAR on the Vet Fellows program illustrates AAVMC’s dedication to fostering growth and development for veterinary scholars through meaningful research opportunities,” said Dotty Gray, AAVMC interim chief executive officer.
The FFAR Vet Fellows program is part of FFAR’s Scientific Workforce Development initiatives, designed to equip the next generation of scientists to address tomorrow’s food and agriculture challenges.
For more information, visit the Vet Fellows webpage or contact FFAR for details.
