Agriculture and food research were selected as two of fourteen priority research areas for Ireland’s national Research and Innovation Strategy for Smart Specialisation (RIS3) in 2011. Since then, there has been an unprecedented national investment in agri-food research. However the position of contract researchers in the system remains difficult. The major national funder in the area focuses its funding schemes on projects which recruit early career researchers, up to junior post-doctoral level. Many researchers find that, after completing a PhD and several years’ post-doc work, they have very limited career options. The lack of career progression for female researchers is particularly concerning. A 2014 report found that while 50% of lecturers in Irish universities are female, only 19% of professors are female. The Irish agri-food sector is vital to Ireland's economic performance, rural development and response to climate change. The current national strategy for the agri-food sector Food Wise 2025 sets ambitious targets for the sector. The successful implementation of this and future strategies relies on the next generation of research leaders.
This fellowship programme will address these issues. It recognises the need to develop the next generation of leaders in agri-food research. Inspired by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Global Fellowships, it focuses on researcher-driven mobility. The programme offers applicants the opportunity to conduct their research in an academic or non-academic organisation of their choice worldwide (outside of Ireland) for 18 months, followed by a return phase to Teagasc (Ireland) for 18 months. The applicant will freely choose the research topic, the outgoing host (and supervisor) and the supervisor for the return phase. In addition, if the outgoing phase is with an academic host, they may choose to incorporate a secondment for up to six months to a non-academic collaborator of their choice.
The need to address the “leaky pipeline” whereby many promising female researchers do not achieve senior positions is a strong focus of the programme. An International Expert Advisory Board, have reviewed all documentation for the programme to ensure that there is no unintended bias against, or discouragement of, female applicants. Remote review cohorts and the final review panel have been gender balanced. Successful female applicants will be facilitated in finding a senior female researcher to serve as a career mentor.
The overall objective of the programme is to foster the next generation of agri-food research leaders to underpin the objectives of the Food Wise 2025 strategy.
This aims of this project have been achieved. Of the 20 fellows appointed, 15 have gone on to secure permanent roles: 11 in academia, 3 in industry and 1 in research management. The other 5 former fellows are pursuing careers in academia and developing their skillsets. Many of the fellows have taken leadership roles during or soon after their fellowship, including organising conferences, workshops and scientific-art exhibitions, securing follow-on research funding, and receiving prestigious awards. The "leaky pipeline" was addressed through the appointment of 12 female fellows, 9 of which have secured permanent roles and are acting as scientific leaders now. Most importantly, testimony from the fellows has highlighted the transformative effect that the fellowship has had on their career.
