IFAR's three programs were
established in 2003. They:
(a) Supported the CGIAR Science Awards Program;
(b) Supported promising young scientists and policy makers
from the developing countries, by providing additional training and
professional development opportunities and through CGIAR-supported
Centers, consistent with their strengths and interests;
(c) Exercised stewardship of CGIAR reserves.
IFAR also explored distance learning opportunities building on the
capacity of the CGIAR-supported Centers.
IFAR's Professional Development Grants:
In support of its mission, IFAR annually provides small grants to
professionals from national agricultural research systems in developing
countries (NARS). The award made to the youngest woman grantee each
year will be designated the Ravi Tadvalkar Memorial Scholarship, in
recognition of the many contributions to the organization by IFAR's
first Treasurer and Secretary, his commitment to capacity building
in developing countries, and his concern about diversity and gender
issues.
IFAR also manages the IFAR Wilfried Thalwitz
Scholarship established in his memory by the family and friends of
the late CGIAR Chair for research linked with CGIAR Centers.
Nominations for these awards must be sponsored
by one or more CGIAR Centers, and the work programs proposed by applicants
must be closely linked with the program of a CGIAR Center. Applicants
are encouraged to collaborate with Center scientists when preparing
their project proposals for submission to IFAR.
